Assistant/Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Rice University • Houston, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in solid mechanics and related areas. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. This position is part of the department’s continued investment in foundational and emerging areas of mechanical engineering and offers opportunities to contribute to its growth while developing collaborations across Rice and the broader scientific and engineering communities. We seek candidates whose research advances the science and engineering of solids, structures, materials, and mechanical systems. Areas of interest include but are not limited to solid mechanics; mechanics of materials; computational mechanics; structural mechanics; multiscale modeling and simulation; experimental mechanics; fracture, damage, and failure; manufacturing and mechanics-informed design; soft and bio-inspired materials; biomechanics; and data-driven or AI-enabled approaches to mechanics and materials. Exceptional candidates whose research expands the frontiers of mechanics in other areas are also encouraged to apply. Rice seeks faculty who embrace a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and inclusive mentorship. Excellence in research and teaching will be the primary criteria for evaluation.

Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrate excellence in research and scholarship appropriate to rank.
• A commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• The potential to establish or sustain a highly impactful, externally funded research program.
• A commitment to mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative academic community.
• For appointment at the Associate Professor rank, candidates should have a distinguished record of scholarly achievement, sustained external funding, and growing national or international recognition in their field.

Nice To Haves

• Research advances the science and engineering of solids, structures, materials, and mechanical systems.
• Areas of interest include but are not limited to solid mechanics; mechanics of materials; computational mechanics; structural mechanics; multiscale modeling and simulation; experimental mechanics; fracture, damage, and failure; manufacturing and mechanics-informed design; soft and bio-inspired materials; biomechanics; and data-driven or AI-enabled approaches to mechanics and materials.
• Exceptional candidates whose research expands the frontiers of mechanics in other areas are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Establish or maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program with national and international recognition.
• Conduct innovative research and disseminate results through high-impact publications, conferences, and other scholarly activities.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with their expertise.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Contribute to departmental, school, university, and professional service.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within Rice and with external partners.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Contribute to the continued strength of undergraduate and graduate education across the department and the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree