Description
The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (with tenure) in Systems, Measurements and Controls applied to (i) thermal/energy systems, (ii) advanced manufacturing, or (iii) advanced mobility. We seek candidates with methodological depth in modern controls (e.g., modeling and system identification, estimation, optimization and model predictive control, cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and data-enabled or learning-assisted control) and a clear vision for impactful, externally funded research. The successful candidate will teach core undergraduate controls courses (and associated laboratories) and develop technical electives and graduate courses aligned with their expertise in control and optimization and the department’s emphasis areas. Exceptional candidates whose research complements or expands other existing departmental strengths, with a strong record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications and external funding, will also be considered. Ohio University offers competitive salary and startup support commensurate with rank and program needs, strong pre-award and research development support, and access to modern research and instructional facilities. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2026.
A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field is required by the start date. Candidates applying for the Associate Professor rank must demonstrate a strong track record of success in research, teaching, and service consistent with tenure at that level. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded research program leading to national/international recognition, teach inspiring courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the operation and promotion of the department, college, university, and the profession. The ideal candidate should show the potential for excellence in these activities through journal publications, patents, professional conference presentations, course design and instruction, undergraduate and graduate mentorship, external outreach, technical committee participation, and related activities.
Applications should include a cover letter addressing the needs of the position, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and plans, statement of teaching philosophy and experience, up to three academic publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. For full consideration, all application materials should be submitted by March 20, 2026.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering values research innovation, excellent teaching, student engagement, and interdisciplinary contributions, with faculty having extensive collaborations across departments, research centers and institutes, and colleges. Our faculty collaborate through several centers and institutes including: Center for Advanced Materials Processing, Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, Avionics Engineering Center, and Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment. The successful candidate will join a department consisting of fourteen faculty members. Annual departmental research expenditures are over $2.5 million, from a balance of federal, state, and industry sources. The department has 20 PhD students, 14 students each in our thesis-based mechanical engineering MS program, and 8 students in recently approved MSME Accelerated Graduate Pathway program. We have over 400 undergraduate students, and by graduation, 100% have participated in research, a co-op or internship, or a design competition. The Russ College benefits greatly from the $120 million Russ endowment, which supports engineering research and education, and this year opened a new 80,000 square foot research facility.
Ohio University, the oldest public university in the state, is proud to be classified as a Carnegie R1 institution—denoting very high research activity—one of only 187 nationwide. The university also recently completed its Dynamic Strategy process to craft a vision and goals across four pillars to guide the institution’s future. Athens is a quintessential college town in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, offering excellent academic and social opportunities and the convenience of small-town living in a single package.
EEO/AA Policy: Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
