Open Rank Non-Tenure Track Position in Mechanical Engineering
https://mech.rice.edu/
Position Description
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track teaching position at the rank of Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027, or July 1, 2027. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank appropriate to their qualifications and experience. The initial appointment will be for a one-year term at the Lecturer rank or a two- to three-year term at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank, and may be renewed contingent upon performance and departmental needs.
We seek a dedicated educator with expertise in solid mechanics, mechanics of materials, mechanical design, experimental methods, and project-based learning. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s undergraduate educational mission through classroom instruction, laboratory teaching, student mentoring, and curricular development.
Responsibilities
Primary teaching responsibilities are expected to include undergraduate courses in areas such as:
- Engineering Mechanics (Statics)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Design and Machine Elements
- Experimental Mechanics
- Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Courses
- Senior Capstone Design
The successful candidate may also contribute to other undergraduate courses aligned with their expertise.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering values hands-on, project-based learning that integrates engineering fundamentals with modern engineering practice. Candidates should be enthusiastic about engaging students in laboratory experimentation, engineering design, prototyping, testing, and open-ended problem-solving. Experience developing laboratory curricula, supervising design-build projects, mentoring student competition teams, or coordinating capstone design experiences is particularly desirable.
In addition to teaching, faculty in this position contribute to the department’s educational mission through activities such as undergraduate advising, curriculum development, accreditation support, laboratory coordination, and departmental service.
About the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering combines high educational standards with research distinction and service to the community. Its faculty and students work at the forefront of developing technologies and solutions across mechanics, design, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and related fields.
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovation, discovery, experiential learning, and student success.
About the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University comprises nine academic departments and more than 20 engineering-related centers and institutes. Its teaching and research benefit from Rice’s collaborative environment and Houston’s strengths in energy, health care, medical research, space exploration, and technology.
About Rice University
Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. Rice provides a collaborative academic environment that supports excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary engagement.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess one of the following by the start date of the appointment:
- A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; or
- A master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field together with significant relevant teaching, design, laboratory, or industrial experience.
Appointment at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank requires a PhD. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates with a Ph.D. may be considered for appointment at either rank.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Undergraduate teaching experience.
- Expertise in solid mechanics, mechanics of materials, mechanical design, or experimental mechanics.
- Experience with laboratory instruction and experimental measurement techniques.
- Experience supervising design projects, maker activities, or capstone design teams.
- Familiarity with modern engineering tools, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
- A demonstrated commitment to student mentorship and success.
Industrial experience in product development, manufacturing, testing and validation, aerospace, energy, robotics, medical devices, or related engineering fields is highly valued.
Application Instructions
For full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following through Interfolio:
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Teaching statement (2-3 pages).
- Documentation of teaching effectiveness (required for applicants seeking consideration at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank; optional for applications seeking consideration at the Lecturer rank).
- Names and contact information for three professional references submitted with the initial application
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
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