Visiting Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 

Position Status: Full-Time, temporary 

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: ES0000/001

Salary Range: Up to $91,760

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008


Brief Description of Duties

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an urban land-grant institution and is classified as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). UDC is the only public university in Washington, DC and it aims to offer a comprehensive, quality post-secondary education that is affordable to DC residents at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.  Within UDC’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), ABET-accredited programs are offered in Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering along with graduate programs in the aforementioned disciplines.  The students from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have won national design competitions and obtained internships and positions with prestigious employers such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Intel, Apple, and area defense contractors. UDC is located within a 30-mile distance from the Naval Research Laboratory, Army Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Institute of Health (NIH), NASA and hundreds of technology-focused private and government organizations.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is pleased to invite applicants for a non-tenure track visiting faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor.  The position start date is targeted for January 1, 2024, and will be a two-year position with the possibility to renew. Interested candidates must have a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. The successful candidate must have exceptional interpersonal communication skills, a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, and dedication to service to the department including recruitment and retention efforts, student mentoring, participation in curriculum and advisory committees, and collection of course data for continuous improvement.  Applicants with additional experience (e.g., postdoctoral experience, industry experience, and/or experience with ABET accreditation) are highly desirable.

The department will consider candidates in all areas of the mechanical engineering discipline. Candidates should demonstrate competency in teaching and be able to handle 3-4 courses each term from the list below:

• Statics & Dynamics
•  Fluid mechanics
•  Thermodynamics
•  Heat transfer
•  Design of Energy systems
• Tech Electives: Robotics, Aerospace, or Renewable Energy (e.g., solar and fuel cells)
•  Programming, AI, and Machine Learning      
•  Modeling and Computer Graphics
•  Machine design
•  Additive Manufacturing
•  Engineering Measurements and Mechatronics
• Materials Science and Mechanics of Materials
• Engineering Numerical Methods
• Engineering Ethics and Economics

The ME department has the following four main research areas: Energy Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Materials & Nanotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering. The ME department has established laboratories in the areas of Metal Additive Manufacturing, Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering, Nanoscale Heat Transfer, Microscopy and Device Characterization, and Nano/Microfabrication Technology with a class-1000 cleanroom. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to join our research programs and collaborate with other faculty members within the school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Faculty duties include teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, performing academic duties, university service, and contributing to externally funded research projects where applicable. 
• The successful applicant will also have an opportunity to work with other faculty members within the University to help develop cross-disciplinary research. 

Minimum Job Requirements

• Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, and have a strong record of teaching and scholarly work.
• Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (listing publications), statement teaching philosophy/interests and research interests, and a statement of commitment to advancing equity and fostering an inclusive and diverse educational environment.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .