Professor of Practice

Tulane University invites applications for a full-time Professor of Practice in Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics within the School of Science and Engineering.

The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics is pursuing interdisciplinary excellence through the integration of physics and core engineering disciplines and is substantially expanding its mechanical engineering programs, including the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, a Minor in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

The Department also offers an established Engineering Physics undergraduate major and a Materials Physics & Engineering PhD program.

The School of Science and Engineering provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and supports the development of cutting‑edge research and educational initiatives. The School is distinctive as the only academic unit at a major research university to merge the behavioral sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and mathematics, which provides an unusually rich environment for innovative programs and interdisciplinary research.

Tulane University is a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities (AAU), is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 (Very High Research Activity) and Community Engaged university, and is committed to research and education at the highest levels. Tulane University offers a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary interactions, a strong public service theme, and a commitment to science as a major thrust of research, scholarship, and education.

The successful candidate will play a central role in the development and delivery of Mechanical Engineering Studio, a sequence of hands‑on, project‑based courses designed to complement the traditional mechanical engineering curriculum. These courses provide students with opportunities to integrate engineering fundamentals through open‑ended design, analysis, experimentation, prototyping, manufacturing, teamwork, and industry‑and research‑related projects.

As the mechanical engineering programs continue to grow, the successful candidate will help establish and continuously refine the Studio curriculum while also teaching additional courses within the discipline.

This position is particularly well suited to engineers and educators with substantial practical experience in areas such as:

• Manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Robotics
• Related engineering fields

Candidates with experience developing project‑based, experiential, or studio‑based engineering courses are especially encouraged to apply.

The Professor of Practice will:

• Develop and teach Mechanical Engineering Studio courses.
• Design and continuously improve studio‑based, experiential learning curricula.
• Contribute to the broader mechanical engineering curriculum.
• Mentor undergraduate design projects and student teams.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners where appropriate.
• Support the continued growth of an innovative, practice‑oriented engineering program.
• Participate in departmental activities that advance teaching excellence and student success.
• Full‑time position
• Non‑tenure‑track faculty appointment
• 3/3 teaching load
• Initial renewable three‑year term
• Promotion to Senior Professor of Practice includes renewable five‑year terms
• Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience

Applicants should submit:

• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References