Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Engineering Sciences

Harvard University • Allston, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies (ADUS) in Engineering Sciences with a concurrent dependent lectureship in Engineering Sciences (reflecting the course-instruction component of this 100% staff role). The ADUS for Engineering Sciences serves as a primary advisor, strategic leader, and a key instructor for our undergraduate Electrical & Computer Engineering and Environmental Science & Engineering programs. Reporting academically to the Area Chair for these concentrations and administratively to the Senior Director for Undergraduate Education, the ADUS works collaboratively with faculty and staff leadership to cultivate a vibrant, supportive, and innovative undergraduate engineering community.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in electrical engineering, environmental engineering, engineering design or a closely related field is required.
• To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter and a resume or CV.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, train, advise, or mentor undergraduate students or early-career professionals, with a commitment to supporting their academic and professional development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships, and foster an inclusive, supportive, and engaging educational environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage complex academic and administrative processes, including accreditation, program assessment, and curricular or student tracking.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for students navigating degree options within the Electrical & Computer Engineering and Environmental Science & Engineering programs, helping students to align their academic choices with their long-term goals.
• Champion the engineering programs at recruitment and orientation events, acting as a committed ambassador for admitted and current prospective students.
• Mentor students, in coordination with relevant offices at SEAS and Harvard College, to help bridge the gap between their academics and career, by actively guiding students toward campus resources and impactful research opportunities, industry internships, and post-graduate careers.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship on policy to admitted Harvard students, pre-concentrators, and concentrators.
• Lead hands-on, project-based learning by teaching or co-teaching one undergraduate engineering course per semester as assigned, focusing on the undergraduate engineering design curriculum (ES 55, ES 100hf), but with the potential for other disciplinary courses.
• Support student cultivation of real-world skills as the co-instructor on record for the independent study (ES 91r) and experiential study (EXPSTDY 1r) courses.
• Oversee programmatic operations and student progress for current and prospective concentrators in the Engineering Sciences programs by managing degree audit records, approving concentration declarations, and reviewing student course petitions.
• Maintain the public and internal face of the concentrations by keeping curriculum documentation, digital resources, and study plans current and accessible.
• Play a key role in program quality and governance by supporting the ABET accreditation processes for the Electrical Engineering SB and Engineering Sciences SB concentrations, and serving as an active member of the Undergraduate Engineering Committee responsible for SEAS’ undergraduate engineering policies.
• Drive pedagogical innovation by collaborating with faculty to develop cutting-edge course content, key laboratory modules, and modern teaching methodologies.
• Empower student innovation by providing mentorship and guidance to relevant engineering student clubs and competitive teams.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

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