Assistant Professor or Associate Professor - Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Mechanical Engineering, anticipated to start as soon as August 2027. The appointment will be in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering.

About the Role

The successful candidate will focus on the department's core strengths of robotics, energy systems, and materials science. The department is part of a growing college with over 3,700 students and 130 faculty members. It has 30 faculty members and approximately 660 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. The department aims to be recognized as a leading engineering department offering world-class experiential learning opportunities and engaging in high-profile research.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized and competitive externally-sponsored research program.
• Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across WVU campus, other academic and government institutions, as well as the private sector.
• Teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Perform professional service activities within and outside the university.

Requirements

• Hold an earned Doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, robotics engineering, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrate the ability or potential to:
• Develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized and competitive externally-sponsored research program,
• Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across WVU campus, other academic and government institutions, as well as the private sector,
• Teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,
• Perform professional service activities within and outside the university.

Qualifications

• A notable record of peer-reviewed publications and other scholarly activities,
• Evidence of potential to attract competitive research funding,
• Effective communication skills.

Skills

• Ability to develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized and competitive externally-sponsored research program,
• Collaborative skills within multi-disciplinary teams,
• Teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,
• Professional service activities within and outside the university.

Benefits

• Supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career,
• Progressive policies to support work-life integration,
• Dual Career Program to assist partners in their career transition and job search.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.

Qualifications

To apply for this position, visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. Applicants must submit a cover letter that indicates the candidate's specialty area of interest, a curriculum vitae, a two-page research statement, 2-3 representative research publications re-prints, a two-page statement of teaching philosophy, and the contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2026.

For further information, please contact Dr. Jason Gross, Chair of the MMAE Department, by e-mail (jason.gross@mail.wvu.edu), or visit our website at https://mmae.statler.wvu.edu/.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers. Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.