Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Hiring Department: School of Engineering at the University of Missouri–St. Louis

About the role

The School of Engineering at the University of Missouri–St. Louis invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position in Mechanical Engineering at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor or Associate Teaching Professor, beginning as early as January 2027. We are seeking a dedicated educator passionate about undergraduate teaching and student success to help build and strengthen a growing mechanical engineering program. This role offers the opportunity to teach across the undergraduate curriculum, mentor students, support laboratory and experiential learning, and contribute to program development in a dynamic public urban research university—preparing the next generation of engineers.

This teaching-focused role carries a standard teaching load of the equivalent of eight three-credit hour courses per academic year, along with moderate service responsibilities. Summer teaching may be available for additional compensation. The position does not currently include research expectations; however, opportunities may be available to mentor undergraduate research or student projects.

Responsibilities

• Teach and support undergraduate learning by delivering high-quality mechanical engineering courses and laboratory sessions.
• Develop and enhance curriculum to promote student engagement, applied learning, and continuous improvement.
• Support instructional laboratory development by assisting with the establishment, configuration, and operation of new engineering teaching laboratories.
• Provide program service through activities such as coordinating laboratories, supporting student competitions, advising student organizations, and contributing to program growth.
• Advise undergraduate students as they navigate their academic journey by providing academic advising activities that support student success and timely degree completion.
• Support recruitment and retention efforts by participating in outreach, enrollment, and targeted student success initiatives.
• Model professional and ethical standards in teaching, mentoring, service, and engagement with the broader academic community.

Areas of Teaching Interest

A preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experience in the areas listed below, as well as experience with ABET accreditation and other applicable experiences.

• Thermodynamics
• Fluid mechanics
• Heat transfer
• Applied thermodynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Thermal/fluids laboratories

Candidates should also be prepared to teach courses outside of thermofluids, which may include:

• Mechanical Engineering 3D Design
• Statics
• Dynamics
• Mechanics of materials
• Introductory laboratory-based engineering courses
• Other as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with teaching mechanical engineering courses.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant industry, professional engineering, applied research, laboratory, or project-based experience that enhance undergraduate instruction and career readiness.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success through mentoring, inclusive pedagogy, and experiential learning.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate engineering courses and laboratories, including thermofluids.
• Experience developing, coordinating, or leading engineering laboratories, design projects, senior design experiences, student competitions, or other applied learning environments.
• Potential for leadership in areas such as laboratory coordination, student organization advising, or program initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to support program growth, recruitment, retention, student success, and external partnerships.

Schedule

This position is a 9-month appointment with opportunities for summer teaching for extra compensation.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Paid caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

About the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering at the University of Missouri–St. Louis provides rigorous, relevant, and affordable engineering education to a diverse and talented student population while addressing the evolving need for engineers and supporting the economic growth of the region, state, and beyond. The School offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The School is committed to accessibility and flexibility, ensuring that students can pursue their educational goals in ways that meet their needs.

The School will soon be housed in newly renovated space in Stadler Hall, with a 20,000-square-foot renovation funded through a $15 million grant from the State of Missouri and expected to be completed in Spring 2027. The School admitted its first cohort of undergraduate students in Fall 2025.

About UMSL and the St. Louis Region

Established in 1963 and having just celebrated its 60th anniversary, the University of Missouri–St. Louis is the region’s premier public university in eastern Missouri and comes with a storied history. UMSL is a metropolitan, public research and teaching institution consistently recognized for its strong academic programs across disciplines and is considered a primary driver of the St. Louis economy. Supported by nearly 700 faculty across nine schools and colleges, UMSL offers an array of degree options including doctoral and graduate degree programs, numerous bachelor and certificate programs, and is home to the only professional optometry school in Missouri.

With an ambitious goal to become the nation’s premier metropolitan public research university, UMSL is a Tier 1 public research institution that prides itself on creating greater access to higher education and is an institution on the move. In three years, the university has risen 69 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and is now ranked No. 107 among all public universities in the nation. UMSL scored even higher on the 2023 list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility” and ranks No. 1 in Missouri and No. 75 nationally, an improvement of 25 places from last year’s rankings.

Candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas or work authorization documents. References will be requested for finalists.