Department
Mechanical Engineering
Rank
Professor
Position Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invite applications for tenure-track positions at the rank of Full Professor within the department. Candidates with particular research emphasis and interests in the areas of: (1) Biomechanics and Biosystems Engineering, (2) Robotics and Mechatronics, (3) Sustainable Energy, Clean Energy, and Combustion, (4) Advanced Manufacturing including Integrated and Interconnected Systems, (5) Multi-scale Computation and Simulation, and (6) Micro/Nanoscale Systems and Engineering are of particular interest for one or more of these positions and thus are strongly encouraged to apply.
Detailed Position Information
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME: ) and the College of Engineering (CoE: ) at The University of Alabama (UA: ) invite applications for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions at all ranks, including Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor levels, within the ME department.
This posting is specific for candidates applying for a position at the rank of Full Professor. Applications from candidates with appropriate experience and a strong record of scholarly productivity and impact who would seek appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor should apply through related postings advertised at those other position/rank levels.
Candidates with prestigious achievements in their field and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as an Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor ( ). These Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor are one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon faculty at The University of Alabama. Candidates wishing to be considered for such an appointment should indicate this in their cover letter.
Towards achieving excellence in all our efforts, the ME department and the College of Engineering seek to hire faculty that can contribute to both: (1) build upon existing strengths in the Department, College, and University and (2) expand the scope of research within the department, College, and UA as a whole.
Candidates with research interests across all domains relevant to mechanical engineering and mechanics are encouraged to apply. Candidates with particular research emphasis and interests in the areas of: (1) Biomechanics and Biosystems Engineering, (2) Robotics and Mechatronics, (3) Sustainable Energy, Clean Energy, and Combustion, (4) Advanced Manufacturing including Integrated and Interconnected Systems, (5) Multi-scale Computation and Simulation, and (6) Micro/Nanoscale Systems and Engineering are of particular interest for one or more of these positions and thus are strongly encouraged to apply.
The ME department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree, and more recently in 2022, added a B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and has a sustained total enrollment of more than 1,350 BSME students. The ME department also has active M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Mechanical Engineering, supporting both residential and distance education students, with a total sustained graduate enrollment of more than 185 students.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering consider teaching, research, and service as the three critical and complimentary portions of their overall mission. Candidates must demonstrate experience and the ability to successfully lead and extramurally fund a highly productive research program with significant scholarly impact in a focus area with long term potential to further build upon the rapid rise and great success of the Mechanical Engineering department and the College of Engineering. An ability to collaborate with existing faculty in the key focus areas both within the Mechanical Engineering Department and the College of Engineering, as well as potential colleagues across the campus, is also highly desirable. The College of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering also pride themselves on the outstanding educational experience provided to their students, and thus faculty candidates must demonstrate an ability to develop and teach classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the faculty member's area(s) of expertise as well as to teach courses that support the delivery and accreditation of the Department's core degree programs.
The department, college and university are also notable for the collegial, welcoming and supportive spirit built into the fabric of who we are and how we interact across our College family of students, faculty, and staff. It is therefore expected that candidates will demonstrate an ability to support this important aspect of our community. The ME department and College also pride themselves on the outstanding educational experience provided to their students, and thus faculty candidates must demonstrate an ability to develop and teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the faculty member's area(s) of expertise as well as to teach courses that support the delivery and accreditation of the ME department's core degree programs.
Appointments to the faculty of The University of Alabama are based on the personnel requirements of the University's academic programs and on the goal of achieving and maintaining excellence in its teaching, research, and service/academic citizenship activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Earned Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated record of prior research work and a record of impactful scholarly publications in refereed journals, conference proceedings, and similarly impactful venues.
- Demonstrated interest and/or record in mechanical engineering education and professional service in area(s) of specialization.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Show the potential to construct and sustain a quality research program.
- Exhibit the potential for excellent teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Applicants must also meet all university criteria for appointment to the rank of Full Professor.
Preferred Qualifications
- Have 10+ years of experience as a tenured/tenure-track faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution.
- Have a demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications that is recognized nationally and/or internationally.
- Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Required application documents include a: (1) cover letter that includes both the department name and rank of position for which the candidate is applying, (2) a resume/curriculum vitae, (3) a two page statement of research interests and plans, (4) a one to two page statement of teaching interests and plans, and (5) the names and contact information for at least four references.
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 to receive fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the positions are filled. A position start date of August 16, 2026 would be typical, but flexibility with respect to start date is possible. Questions about the position can be directed to . The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. Candidates from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
About the College of Engineering
As the premier flagship university for the state of Alabama and as one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama (UA) has more than 175 years of proud engineering history. UA's College of Engineering is committed to conducting cutting-edge research that advances the frontiers of science and engineering, translating such fundamental advancements and knowledge through applied research and technology commercialization into impactful solutions which improve the human condition and address the challenges facing humankind, and using that immersive research environment to provide unparalleled educational experiences and opportunities for our students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a College, we pride ourselves on educating and preparing the next generation of engineering and computer science scholars and professionals who will positively shape the future around us. Through our educational, research, and service activities that support our overall vision to be one of the most impactful engineering programs in the nation, our College continues to provide leadership in the many professional disciplines represented by our College and to the community, state, and nation as we advance our professions, the economy, and the lives of all those whom we serve.
The UA College of Engineering is comprised of seven departments: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. These departments currently deliver 13 different undergraduate and 15 different graduate degree programs. Overall . click apply for full job details