Open Rank Tenured​/Tenure-track Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering - Energy

Vanderbilt University:
School of Engineering:
Mechanical Engineering Description

The Mechanical Engineering department at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering invites applications and nominations for an open‑rank tenured/tenure‑track faculty position to begin in the fall of 2026. This position is part of our commitment to establishing an interdisciplinary Energy Cluster aimed at addressing grand societal and scientific challenges.

The successful candidate(s) will have expertise that aligns with our strategic mission to enhance research and education in the broad field of engineered materials for energy applications. Areas of particular focus include, but are not limited to:

• Synthesis of energy materials
• Theoretical understanding through first‑principles calculations and AI
• Novel energy conversion, storage and transport techniques
• Intelligent materials‑based energy systems

This hiring initiative reflects our dedication to strengthening collaboration across disciplines within the School of Engineering. We believe that through the Energy Cluster, we can elevate our research capacity, advance the frontiers of knowledge, and train the next generation of engineering leaders to uncover new insights and identify solutions to the key challenges outlined in our strategic plan: improving health for all humans, ensuring a sustainable planet, enhancing national security, and innovating beyond Earth.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University includes 22 primary faculty members (16 tenured/tenure‑track), 8 staff members, approximately 280 undergraduate students, and 70 Ph.D. students. The department maintains a vibrant research environment with annual research expenditures of approximately $8 million. Our faculty are internationally recognized for research excellence in areas such as surgical robotics and rehabilitation engineering, nanophotonics, nanoscale energy transport, biomaterials and biomedical microdevices, fluid‑structure interaction, combustion diagnostics, and additive manufacturing.

Candidates must have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fields by the time of appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish a nationally recognized research program supported by extramural funding.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering and materials science. Vanderbilt emphasizes excellence in teaching and mentoring next generation engineers and a successful candidate is expected to either become a highly effective educator (for tenure‑track applicants) or with a proven track‑record of teaching and mentoring excellence (for tenured applicants).
• Contribute to departmental, school‑wide, and university‑wide initiatives, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; those received by December 1, 2025, will be given full consideration. Applications should include the following materials:

• Statement of research interests, highlighting potential collaborative opportunities within and beyond the Energy Cluster
• Statement of teaching philosophy, including innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum development
• Service statement (required for tenure applicants only)
• Contact information for at least three references

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60‑1.4(a), 60‑300.5(a) and 60‑741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.