Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering - Augustana College

Augustana College•Rock Island, IL

29d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy Department at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Mechanical Engineering beginning in February or August 2026. Our new colleague will join a growing Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy program that includes Physics, Engineering-Physics, Teaching Physics, and a B.S. in General Engineering. The successful candidate will teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits), mostly mechanical engineering and some courses in introductory physics. The candidate is encouraged to contribute specialty courses related to their sub-field (particularly those that may be interdisciplinary) as well as contribute to the general education program. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program appropriate for undergraduate involvement (or similar professional work outside of teaching that involves students, like engineering consulting). Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in service to the department and the Augustana College community. The candidate will join an active, eight-member department with disciplinary interests in thermal fluids, environmental fluid dynamics, 3D printing and design, signal processing, quantum photonics, nuclear physics, planetary and stellar magnetic fields, observational astronomy, physics education, and planetarium directing. The department houses research spaces for environmental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, nuclear physics, and quantum photonics. The department has a newly designed Maker Space with 3D printers, a laser cutter, a scanning electron microscope, a CNC mill, and a welding station. Instructional spaces include a newly renovated electronics lab, design lab, and studio physics teaching spaces. All faculty at Augustana are invited to engage in professional development and mentoring opportunities consistent with their needs throughout their appointment at the college. The department is committed to supporting candidates' professional development in research and teaching. At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.

Requirements

A doctorate in Mechanical Engineering by August 26, 2026. ABD candidates will also be considered
Ability to teach introductory and advanced classes in mechanical engineering
Ability to teach introductory courses in physics, including non-major students
Development of a research program (or similar external collaboration) that includes undergraduate students
Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration

Responsibilities

Teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year, mostly mechanical engineering and some courses in introductory physics
Contribute specialty courses related to their sub-field (particularly those that may be interdisciplinary) as well as contribute to the general education program
Develop a research program appropriate for undergraduate involvement (or similar professional work outside of teaching that involves students, like engineering consulting)
Participate in service to the department and the Augustana College community

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Retirement plan including eligibility to receive up to 7% contribution from the College.
Company sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits as use of college facilities including a wellness center, gym and recreation center.
Tuition benefits for employees and their family members

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