"Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Science / Fluid Mechanics (Tenure-track)"

Job Description

Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Science / Fluid Mechanics (Tenure-track)

Hiring Department

The University of Texas Permian Basin's College of Engineering & Sciences welcomes applications for tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering in the field of Thermal Science/Fluid Mechanics, to begin in August 2026.

Salary Range

$85,000.00 depending on qualifications

Essential Functions

We are seeking a highly qualified and enthusiastic individual for the tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded research program(s) with effective collaborations in their area of expertise with industry and national labs. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in addressing problems related to Thermal Science and Fluid Mechanics, preferably with a focus on oil and gas, and renewable energies. Individuals with strong grant writing ability and proven research skills are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate should additionally have plans to involve undergraduate and graduate students in their research.

Official duties and responsibilities of a Tenure Track faculty members include teaching and service activities as assigned.
Faculty are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses
Face to face and or hybrid teaching interactions through a regular schedule of attendance on campus for a minimum of four days a week.
Teach up to 18 credit hours per contract year
Assist in collecting assessment data as outlined by the ABET and SACSCOC Program Coordinator
Achieve appropriate student-learning outcomes in all courses taught
Faculty are expected to employ sound pedagogical practices and use appropriate technology
Student course evaluations are to be completed each course
Abide by deadlines and processes for submitting grades
Advise students and provide individual help to students during weekly office hours
Participate in course/laboratory revisions and curriculum development as assigned
Work with other faculty and staff to advance the program
Attending department, college and university faculty meetings
Attend convocations, commencement exercises, recruitment activities and community meetings.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field at the time of the candidate's start at UTPB. The degree must be awarded no later than August 2026.
2. Experience in Grant writing
3. Teaching experience in education or industry
4. Proven history of collaboration with students, faculty and staff
5. Evidence of mentoring student research

Preferred Qualifications

1. College-level teaching, project based or lab teaching experience
2. Ability to teach in all areas of the program
3. Experience with students and academic mentoring
4. Relevant industry and practical experience

Additional Information

From the Department

The College of Engineering and Sciences is a newly formed College as of 2024. The College offers B.S. in Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering as well as B.S. in Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, and Mathematics and M.S. in Computer Science and Geology. The Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, and Petroleum Engineering Programs are ABET Accredited. The College is also home to the Texas Water and Energy Institute and the newly opened Advanced Manufacturing Center. The College is housed in building that opened 2019, with excellent facilities for instructional and curricular activities and research and development.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. List of References
4. Teaching Philosophy Statement
5. Unofficial Transcripts
6. Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

1. The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
2. Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
3. Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
4. Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver's license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record.
5. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
6. UT Permian Basin 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.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 - 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Faculty hours may differ based on class schedule and department need.

Standard Working Conditions

1. Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
2. Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
3. Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
4. Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
5. Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
6. Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation.

University Benefits

1. UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
2. Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
3. You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
4. Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
5. Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country - full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin - which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment.