Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Advanced Energy at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU) Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is seeking outstanding individuals for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a focus on Advanced Energy. We seek dynamic and innovative scholars who are passionate about collaborative research, teaching, and contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions, including but not limited to batteries and battery systems, battery management systems, advanced manufacturing, advanced HVACR hardware design, sustainable and energy-efficient processes and products, and thermal energy management systems. Outstanding candidates in other mechanical engineering fields may also be considered.

Applications are sought from candidates with earned doctorates, or equivalent, in mechanical engineering or closely related fields by the time of appointment. Successful candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the development of academic programs and a strong research program. Successful candidates will be results-oriented, have a record of superior scholarship, have experience in externally-funded research commensurate with the rank of appointment, develop or maintain an externally-funded research program, and teach high-quality courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The KU ME Department currently has programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Increasing research innovation and collaborations to make a difference in the world are priorities in the department.

The KU School of Engineering has embarked on a strategic plan that leads to significant expansion while maintaining and improving the existing high-quality student programs. This approach drives growth in facilities, faculty, students, leadership, and research as it helps industry partners find the new talent, designs, and techniques they need to fuel economic growth and business success. Special consideration will be given to applicants committed to excellence who can contribute to the University’s innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary initiatives to educate leaders, build healthy and vibrant communities, and make discoveries that will change the world.

KU's main campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation; located in Lawrence, a thriving city of 97,000, 30 minutes west of Kansas City in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery. KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Screening of applications will begin on November 24, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. The target start date is August 18, 2026. The selected candidate must have work authorization in the U.S. by the start of appointment.Job Description40% Teaching. Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Mechanical Engineering department. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student advising as appropriate. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as the major advisor of Master’s and Doctoral students.

40% Research. Establish a strong research agenda in areas of expertise that overlap, support, or expand the current research in the department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings. Collaborate with faculty and professional staff on KU campuses as appropriate.

20% Service. Perform Department, School, University, and professional service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank. Participate in local, national, and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Foster a positive relationship with industry and the community. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.Required Qualifications

1. Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
2. Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent mechanical field.
3. Evidence of the ability to teach at the undergraduate and graduate level.
4. Evidence of the ability to develop a successful research program.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application will include the following PDF files: 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests and plans on the order of two pages, including one paragraph explaining how the applicant would pivot their research over time if their current area of interest were not fundable in the future; 4) a statement of teaching interests on the order of two pages; and 5) contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.

Screening of applications will begin on November 24, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.Contact Information to ApplicantsDr. Lin Liu, [email protected]
Advertised Salary RangeCommensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday November 24, 2025Anticipated Start DateSaturday August 1, 2026Apply to Job