Assistant Professor of Practice

Position: Assistant Professor of Practice-Fixed Term
Description & Details:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks to fill an Assistant Professor of Practice position (non tenure-track) starting Fall 2026. This position will support a newly developed bachelor's degree program in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). We seek expertise in teaching a variety of undergraduate courses related to materials development, processing, characterization, behavior, modeling, and testing.

Normal teaching loads for a Professor of Practice position are four courses per semester (8 courses per year) with the first year carrying a 6-course workload. The position is funded by the New Horizon initiative for the development of a B.S. in MSE degree. Salary is competitive.

The successful candidate will be expected to mentor and advise undergraduate students, contribute to senior capstone design projects, and participate in departmental service activities. The candidate should be able to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a team-oriented academic environment.

The Mechanical Engineering Department currently has 18 faculty, of whom 16 are tenure track and 2 are professors of practice; 4 staff members; approximately 660 undergraduate students; and 75 graduate (Ph.D. and M.S.) students. The department offers degrees in Mechanical Engineering in addition to the new MSE degree.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a Carnegie R1 research institution and the state's land-grant university. NDSU enrolls approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students across a wide range of disciplines, with the College of Engineering serving more than 2,500 students in eight departments. Fargo is a clean, growing metropolitan area of 250,000 that consistently ranks very high in national quality-of-life surveys.

We have low levels of crime and pollution, excellent schools, short commutes and proximity to the Minnesota lakes country. The community has a symphony, an opera, a domed stadium, a community theater, three universities and many other opportunities for advancement, recreation and entertainment.

Work Schedule:

This is a 9-month position with a one year appointment. The appointment may be renewed additional years contingent on available funding.

Hiring Range:

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (must be completed by appointment date)

* Demonstrated expertise in materials science and engineering through education, research, or professional experience

* Evidence of potential for excellence in teaching materials science and engineering concepts, theory, and application

* Strong, effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

* Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population

Preferred Qualifications:

* Demonstrated experience teaching courses in materials science and engineering

* Experience with curriculum development

* Experience with materials testing and characterization equipment

* Demonstrated ability to engage students in hands-on, problem-based, or experiential learning

* Industry experience in materials science and engineering

Applicant Materials

Required:

Candidates should submit:

* Cover letter highlighting qualifications and teaching philosophy

* Curriculum vitae

* Contact information for three professional references

Applications must be submitted through the NDSU Human Resources website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Screening of applications will begin on 6/30/26 and will continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please contact the search chair ri.

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

* 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage

* Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA

* Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date

* Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

* Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position

(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

* Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays

* Employee Assistance Program for…