Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Title:Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering


Appointment Type:Faculty


Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University invites candidates for tenure-track or tenured faculty positions at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor ranks for the Fall 2026 semester.


Priority consideration will be given to exceptional candidates in areas related to:
+ Scientific machine learning and quantum information systems, with applications areas including but not limited to energy systems, multiphase flow modeling, and cyber-physical systems.



Exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and proven track record will be considered for the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank.


Successful candidates will be expected to establish, sustain and grow a world-class research program that complements or aligns efforts, establish a record of scholarship at the highest levels, contribute to the teaching missions at the undergraduate and graduate levels, engage in service to the institution and the profession.

Candidates should have strong communication skills and exhibit potential for long-term leadership supporting the mission of the department, college and university.




Required Qualifications
+ Ph.D. or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering or a closely aligned field.
+ Associate Professor candidates must also meet the university standards for appointment to the rank including significant experience/accomplishments in the candidate’s area of expertise, and the potential for international distinction.
+ Full Professor candidates are required to have national distinction, international recognition, and a substantial scholarly record in their area of expertise in addition to the aforementioned requirements.





Preferred Qualifications
+ A record of scholarship, mentoring and leadership achievements commensurate with such appointments at a University level.
+ Experience in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in mechanical engineering or closely aligned fields.
+ Significant professional experience in the practice of mechanical engineering or a closely aligned field.





Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is nationally recognized for its interdisciplinary research and educational programs.

Collaborative research is highly emphasized by the department and facilitated by on-campus research enterprises such as the Bioeconomy Institute, the Ames National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), the Center for Non-Destructive Evaluation, and the Virtual Reality Applications Center.



Department Website:
https://www.me.iastate.edu/


Successful candidates will be expected to establish, sustain and grow a world-class research program that complements or aligns efforts, establish a record of scholarship at the highest levels, contribute to the teaching missions at the undergraduate and graduate levels, engage in service to the institution and the profession.

Candidate should have strong communication skills and exhibit potential for long-term leadership supporting the mission of the department, college and university.


Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026


Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period


Time Type:Full time


Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application.

Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter3) Contact Information for Three References

4) Other documents:
+ A teaching statement
+ A research statement



This position is open to candidates eligible for employment sponsorship.

At this time, Iowa State University is unable to offer H-1B immigration sponsorship for candidates who do not currently hold H-1B status.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.


For full consideration, please apply by November 3, 2025.

Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program


Original Posting Date: October 3, 2025


Posting Close Date:


Job Requisition Number:R17873



By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference.

With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world.

And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.



Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff.

Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) .

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.



All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.



Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel.

515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.



If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485.

TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.




General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website.

Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skill Profession

Other General