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Title: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

Join the Future of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois State University!
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Illinois State University invites applications for multiple open rank tenure-track/tenured positions.

We seek candidates who are highly qualified and motivated to teach labs and courses, help shape the department's future and contribute to ISU's legacy of innovation, collaborate with industry leaders and work on real-world projects, preparing students for the dynamic field of mechanical engineering.

A successful candidate will also be expected to develop a cross-functional mechanical engineering curriculum that integrates hands-on experience through various labs in robotics, materials, kinematics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as well as a design studio for capstone projects in collaboration with the local industry. This curriculum should incorporate a pedagogical approach that fosters active learning, high student engagement, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Additional Information

Our new College of Engineering is seeking founding faculty members to join us in building the Department of Mechanical Engineering from the ground up. Our mission is to provide a transformative educational experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical values needed to excel in the world of mechanical engineering. As a faculty member, you will play a pivotal role in teaching, mentoring, and preparing students for real-world challenges, including energy, sustainability, robotics, automation, machine design, and manufacturing. Therefore, this is a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape the future of an entire department and a chance to contribute to ISU's legacy of innovation and academic excellence.

The College of Engineering at Illinois State University values and embraces diversity in cultural backgrounds, genders, abilities, and identities in its service to students. Ideal candidates will be equity-minded and committed to fostering an inclusive environment in collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. We are committed to strengthening the importance of diversity within the engineering educational community and are dedicated to addressing and closing equity gaps.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. At ISU, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open to dual career possibilities to support enhancing professional and personal growth of the faculty. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Assistant $70,000 - $88,000 and commensurate with qualifications and experience

Associate $85,000-$121,000 and commensurate with qualifications and experience

Professor $115,000 - $130,000 and commensurate with qualifications and experience

Required Qualifications

1) PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Education or closely related field.
2) BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering.
3) Commitment toward laboratory development and instruction, experimentation, experiential learning, and curriculum development.
4) Strong commitment to teaching excellence, innovative research, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5) State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

For senior ranks, established externally funded research record is desired.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

1) CV
2) Cover letter
3) Statement of purpose addressing teaching, research, and service.
4) List of contact information for five references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Dr. Nesrin Ozalp
nozalp@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.