Title Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering School Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department/Area Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Position Description The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks applicants for the position of Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering with an expected start date of July 1, 2027. This is a full-time position for three years, with the second two years contingent on a satisfactory performance review during the first year.
The Lecturer will be responsible for teaching courses within the mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum, as well as contributing to the engineering design capstone course. Teaching assignments may include courses such as Heat Transfer and Computer-Aided Machine Design, but will be determined based on area needs and the candidate’s expertise. A minimum of three courses per academic year is expected.
Basic QualificationsA PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science or a related field is required.Additional QualificationsPrior undergraduate-level teaching experience is strongly preferred.Special InstructionsRequired applications materials include:
- Cover letter, including a description of the candidate’s teaching/advising philosophy and practices as well as their approach to creating a learning environment in which every student is encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information of three to five referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate’s application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.
We encourage candidates to apply by November 15, 2026, but we will begin to review applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
This position may be represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions
If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.
Contact InformationDouglas Woodhouse, Administrative Coordinator for Academic OperationsContact Emaildouglas_woodhouse@harvard.eduSalary Range$93,000 – $97,000
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.Minimum Number of References Required3Maximum Number of References Allowed5Keywords
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Research
Course Evaluation
Sample Syllabus

