Assistant Professor of Automotive Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering #27-25

California State University, Northridge•Los Angeles, CA

20d•$100,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in automotive engineering. The department is especially interested in expertise in automotive systems, including vehicle dynamics, vehicle controls, autonomous vehicles, electric or hybrid powertrains, and automotive manufacturing. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and conduct research in automotive and mobility systems. Candidates must specialize in experimental methodologies or computational analysis and simulation of complex models, and are expected to develop and lead an active research program in areas such as advanced vehicle propulsion systems, integration and design of complex automotive systems, or vehicle automation. Teaching duties include classroom instruction and participating in or supervising capstone design projects. The professor will supervise MS theses and advise undergraduate and graduate students academically and professionally. The position also includes scholarly activity, developing an externally funded research program, contributing to curriculum development, assessment and accreditation, and participating in departmental activities and professional and student organizations. The candidate should have experience or willingness to pursue evidence-based approaches that promote retention of students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Additional responsibilities include weekly office hours, faculty meetings, assessment of student learning, and service to the department, college, and university. Teaching may take place on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and/or online. The appointee will help advance equitable academic outcomes through teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service. Appointment is effective August 19, 2027, subject to budgetary approval. The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 to $110,000, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution; ABD candidates may be considered, but the doctorate must be completed by the appointment date.
Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or demonstrated equivalent preparation.
Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, in person and/or online, in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics and control, machine design, manufacturing, or related fields.
Demonstrated evidence of research in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics and control, machine design, manufacturing, or related fields.
Research publications in the specified areas in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings within the past three years.
Specialization in experimental methodologies or computational analysis and simulation of complex models.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States by the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Evidence of effective engagement or potential to engage with a diverse student body.
Experience using culturally responsive pedagogy that leads to equitable outcomes for all students.
Experience creating a student-centered learning environment.
Research or laboratory experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
Experience adopting inclusive approaches to mentoring.
Academic teaching or research experience at an ABET-accredited institution.
Postdoctoral or industry experience.
A record of receiving grant funding or potential to receive external funding from government agencies, private companies, and/or scientific societies.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in automotive engineering and related areas.
Participate in and/or supervise capstone student design projects.
Supervise MS theses and provide academic and professional advisement to undergraduate and graduate students.
Develop and lead an active research program in automotive and mobility systems, including pursuing external funding.
Initiate and maintain creative scholarly activities and publish research.
Participate in curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and other departmental activities.
Participate in professional and student organizations, such as ASME, SAE, and AIAA.
Pursue evidence-based approaches that promote retention of students from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Hold weekly office hours and attend faculty meetings.
Participate in assessment of student learning and provide service to the department, college, and university.
Help achieve equitable academic outcomes through teaching, student mentorship, scholarship, and service.