Assistant Professor, Tenure Track - Mechanical Engineering
Position Overview
Organization: Mechanical Engineering
Title: Assistant Professor, Tenure Track - Mechanical Engineering
Position Details
Position Description
The Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering at the University of Washington invites applications for two faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, with an anticipated start date of September 2027. We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community. The successful candidates will join our faculty as tenure-track Assistant Professor, on a full-time basis for a nine-month academic appointment. Initial appointment is on a 3-year term, renewable while on the tenure-track, which is traditionally 6 years. Starting date is expected on September 2027, but an earlier or later starting date can be arranged.
The base salary range for this position will be $12,000-$17,900 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
We seek candidates in any area of Mechanical Engineering. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has internationally recognized strengths in additive and advanced manufacturing, including composite materials manufacturing, robotics, biomechanics and biomedical engineering sciences, physics-based machine learning and artificial intelligence modeling and controls, energy storage and electrification, renewable energy and thermal and fluid sciences. Successful candidates will be expected to develop a strong research program in one or many of the areas of impact for which Mechanical Engineering is well-known. Candidates whose research complements or expands these areas are encouraged to apply.
The successful candidates will be expected to develop an internationally recognized extramurally funded research program and to provide innovative, high-quality teaching. The candidates will also be expected to contribute to a learning environment that welcomes and values all lived experiences and points of view, collaborate with members of the department, as well as other researchers within the University and affiliated institutions, participate in the department’s teaching in the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs, and contribute to the mentoring and training of students in the department’s graduate programs. They will be expected to propose and implement new initiatives in the undergraduate curriculum, and graduate courses in their areas of expertise, as well as activities to involve students from all backgrounds in research. In addition, all University of Washington faculty are expected to engage in teaching, research, and service.
The Mechanical Engineering department’s research and teaching portfolio covers all aspects in the broad field of mechanical engineering. The department currently has 45 tenured, tenure track, research and teaching faculty, over 700 undergraduates, 250 Master’s students, 160 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral researchers, and continues to grow. More information about the ME department is available at http://www.me.washington.edu.
The University of Washington, located in Seattle, Washington, the heart of the high-tech Pacific Northwest, is one of the world’s leading universities, ranking No. 12 in Best Global Universities in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report (https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings). The College of Engineering and the ME Department foster a highly collegial and collaborative culture. The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.
Qualifications
Applicants for this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- A Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline by the date of appointment.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in scholarly research and teaching as demonstrated by publications, presentations, teaching evaluations, or other comparable evidence.
- Ability to develop an internationally recognized research program and contribute effectively to undergraduate and graduate education. Evidence may include a record of scholarly publications, competitive research funding, invited presentations, and professional recognition, as well as successful teaching, student mentoring, graduate supervision, and curriculum development.
Instructions
To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit all materials no later than December 15, 2026. Priority will be given to those applications received by December 15, 2026. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/190130. The position will remain open until filled. Additional questions may be addressed to MEChair@uw.edu.
Applications should include the following materials:
- a cover letter detailing interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and experience;
- a curriculum vitae;
- a statement on research plans;
- a statement on educational experience and teaching philosophy;
- names and contact information for at least three references prepared to provide letters of recommendation upon request; and
- copies of the applicant's three most significant publications.
Applicants should articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in research, teaching, mentoring, and service promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
Privacy Notice
Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.
Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.