Assistant Professor of Teaching, Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Herff College of Engineering at The University of Memphis is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Professor of Teaching. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment in Systems Engineering. Applicants must have a PhD in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.  The typical teaching load is 3 or 4 courses in the fall and spring semesters each, and 2 or 3 courses in the summer terms, depending on the amount of service activities assigned.

The University of Memphis is a State of Tennessee Carnegie R1 flagship university and is the largest public university and engineering program in western Tennessee, with an enrollment of about 22,000 students. The Herff College of Engineering at The University of Memphis is nationally ranked in both its undergraduate and graduate programs. Currently, the Department has 15 faculty and an enrollment of about 350 students pursuing BS, MS, and PhD degrees. Additional information about the College and the Department can be found at https://www.memphis.edu/me/index.php.

The city of Memphis is an attractive location in Tennessee and is world-renowned for its music, food, and hospitality. Memphis is home to three Fortune 500 companies (FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone) and has a strong presence in the healthcare, biomedical devices, transportation, automotive, aero-propulsion, and entertainment industries. The Herff College of Engineering has partnerships with many local companies for both research and education applications.

In their statement of teaching philosophy, candidates must address their commitment to undergraduate and graduate instruction and course development. Experience in teaching and developing courses in an ABET/EAC accredited program is preferred. The anticipated start date is August 2026. 

Candidates must submit their application through the website. Applications must include a cover letter, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, the full names and contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail address) of three professional references, and a statement on teaching philosophy.  Screening of applications will begin in March 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

Primarily responsible for teaching and institutional service. Provide excellent instruction. This encompasses classroom instruction, course development, serving as instructor of record, mentoring students in academic projects, testing, grading, and the professional development of the faculty member as a teacher. Mentoring students at all levels is an important aspect of teaching. This position is not eligilbe for tenure.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.

About UsThe University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.