Assistant Professor

About the role

Duke University's Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) in the Pratt School of Engineering is seeking applicants for multiple Assistant Professor faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering. The department encourages candidates with a focus on Aerospace Engineering and early‑career researchers doing innovative work across all areas of Mechanical Engineering. Distinguished scholars at the mid‑career level may also be considered.

Preferred research areas

• Aeroelasticity and unsteady aerodynamics
• Experimental and theoretical fluid mechanics
• Nonlinear dynamics and stability
• Control of fluid and structural systems

Candidate qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Research and teaching interests that complement existing MEMS strengths in the areas listed above.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, community building, and outreach.

Application materials

• Cover letter (including contact information)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (≤ 3 pages) describing past accomplishments, future plans, and evidence of community‑building and outreach activities
• Teaching and mentoring statement (≤ 3 pages) outlining teaching philosophy, prior experience, future teaching plans, and community‑building/outreach contributions
• List of three to five references (letters will be requested after the first round of evaluations)

Application process

All materials must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online. Review of applications begins immediately; applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive priority attention. Applications received after this date will be considered until the positions are filled.

Disclosure requirement

Applicants are asked to disclose any past misconduct or policy violations (within the last ten years) and any relevant pending investigations. Disclosures will not automatically disqualify a candidate but will prompt further dialogue. Disclosure information will not be shared with search committees during the review process.

Contact

For questions about the search, please email the search committee chair at earl.dowell@duke.edu.