Assistant Professor of Materials Science & Engineering
About The Position
The Department of Engineering & Design at Western Washington University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position beginning September 16, 2026. This position will support the Engineering & Design Department’s growth through the transition of the current Polymer Materials Engineering (PME) program to Materials Science & Engineering and the launch of a new Mechanical Engineering Minor. We seek individuals with teaching and research interests in fields relevant to advanced composites, with a preference towards candidates with expertise in structures, materials design and development, manufacturing, and/or simulation or modeling. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the growth and development of the Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) program and a new Mechanical Engineering minor, which includes the development of new curriculum, research areas, and laboratory facilities. Our program and department require a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that supports the Department’s Mission . This position will primarily teach courses in the PME/MSE program and will also contribute to teaching premajor classes and/or new courses developed for an upcoming Mechanical Engineering minor (such as introduction to engineering and design, statics, mechanics of materials, introduction to materials science and engineering, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics). Scholarship responsibilities will include developing and maintaining a relevant research program that involves undergraduate researchers and partnerships with industry. It is expected that the person fulfills teaching, research, and service responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive environments for all students, faculty, and staff.
Requirements
- One of the following: Ph.D. or ABD (at time of application) in materials science and engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline, received from an accredited institution (if ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15th of the first year of employment, e.g., June 15, 2027)
- An earned MS degree in engineering or a closely related discipline, and significant, recent, and relevant industry-based professional experience
- Evidence of the ability to teach courses in the Polymer Materials Engineering program (soon to be Materials Science & Engineering program)
- Evidence of the ability to teach premajor engineering courses
- Evidence of the ability to teach courses for the upcoming mechanical engineering minor in the Engineering and Design Department
- Evidence of commitment and ability to initiate and maintain a relevant program of scholarly activity
- Teaching and scholarship philosophies that are closely aligned with the mission of the Program and Department
- Evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Recent, relevant experience in industry, industry sponsored grants, commercialization, and/or industry relations
- Successful prior teaching and/or curriculum development experience
- Experience in conducting a research program with undergraduate students
- Experience with one or more of the following: composites materials and processing; advanced thermoplastics & thermosets materials and processing, process automation; computational materials modeling and process simulation; artificial intelligence for materials development or manufacturing, materials and processes for the circular economy; nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing; additive manufacturing; dynamics; thermodynamics; or fluid mechanics
Responsibilities
- Teach five classes per year
- Supervise hands-on teaching and research laboratory activities and safety practices
- Establish an active and sustained research program involving undergraduate students
- Seek funding to support and sustain research and academic programs
- Advise senior design/capstone projects in the PME/MSE program
- Participate in departmental, university, and professional service, including ABET accreditation requirements
- Contribute to a collaborative, safe, and engaging learning and working environment
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available per University guidelines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
