Position Title

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Mechatronics Engineering Technology

Position Type

Regular

About the Role

The Department of Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology (PGET) at Northern Kentucky University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Mechatronics Engineering Technology to begin August 2027.

The PGET department has 10 tenured/tenure-track faculty members and 4 full-time teaching faculty who serve approximately 260 students enrolled in its programs. The Engineering Technology program has three majors in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MMET), Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (EEET), and Mechatronics Engineering Technology (MET). All three majors have recently been re-accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) through 2032. The entire Engineering Technology program will be relocated to the new expansion of the Herrmann Science Center in summer 2027.

Our new colleague will be expected to contribute effectively in all three areas of professional responsibility at NKU: teaching, research, and service. This includes teaching introductory and upper-level courses in the mechatronics engineering technology curricula with a student-centered focus, and enriching student experiences through involvement in co-curricular activities. In addition, our new colleague will be expected to conduct course assessment and continuous improvement activities. Undergraduate research opportunities are highly valued within the department, and faculty are expected to provide research experiences to undergraduate students by involving them in their own scholarship and mentoring capstone projects. Our new colleague will also be expected to develop and cultivate relationships with employers in support of student professional development. Tenure-track faculty members also are expected to engage in service activities at all levels of the university. Research expertise or specialization in any area of mechatronics engineering technology will be considered, provided that it can support a productive research program at NKU, involve students, and contribute to the broader Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati communities. Our new colleague will have opportunities to engage in K-12 outreach, participate in student recruitment, and help shape the future of the engineering technology program.

Responsibilities for this position include the following:

Teach introductory and upper-level courses across the engineering technology curriculum, integrating hands-on lab activities into the classroom.
Improve the Mechatronics Engineering Technology curriculum, including developing undefined.
Participate in ABET course assessment and continuous improvement activities.
Establish and maintain a productive applied research program that engages NKU undergraduate students.
Mentor undergraduate engineering technology capstone projects.
Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conferences.
Mentor students in their academic and professional development, including helping them identify research, internship, and other professional opportunities.
Establish or expand professional connections in industrial, governmental, and academic communities.
Participate in service activities at the university, professional, and community levels.

Required qualifications

Earned doctorate in a mechatronics-related engineering or engineering technology field, such as mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, electronics, or industrial engineering and/or engineering technology.
Demonstrated expertise through relevant academic and/or professional experience in one or more of the following areas, including but not limited to: integrated manufacturing systems; lean manufacturing; advanced industrial and/or collaborative (cobots) robotics integration; industrial control systems; or work-cell design.
Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and demonstrated ability to teach courses within the engineering technology and engineering physics programs.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a productive applied research program in mechatronics engineering technology that engages undergraduate students.
Record of peer-reviewed scholarly research in mechatronics-related engineering or engineering technology.
Excellence in written and oral communication.

Preferred qualifications

Effective teaching experience in introductory and advanced engineering technology courses.
Relevant industry experience and/or a demonstrated track record of engagement with industry.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to supporting the needs of the student population served by NKU.
Demonstrated involvement in student organizations.
Prior involvement in K-12 outreach.

All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.NKU.edu and will be asked to provide the following documents in PDF format.

Cover letter outlining qualifications and interests
Detailed curriculum vitae
Statement of teaching philosophy
Statement of research plan
Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
List of three references with contact information

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check as required by state law.

Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Gang Sun (sung1@nku.edu), with any questions.