Professor of Practice

Position Summary

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.

About the Department

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.

About the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University

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.

About the Opportunity

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

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

• Mechanical engineering design
• Manufacturing
• Experimentation
• Product development
• Aerospace
• Robotics
• Energy systems
• Related engineering fields

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

What You'll Do

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.

Appointment Details

• Full-time position
• Non-tenure-track faculty appointment
• Academic-year (nine-month) 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

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References

Application Deadline

Applications received by January 5, 2027, will receive full consideration.

Additional Information

Additional information about the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics can be found at: sse.tulane.edu/pep

Questions About the Position

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact:

Prof. Matt Barrios
[email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an educational and employment environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection, or participation criterion for Tulane's employment or educational programs and activities.

Accommodation Assistance

Tulane University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment and hiring process. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact the Office of Human Resources:

• Phone: 504-865-4748
• Email: [email protected]

• Develop and teach Mechanical Engineering Studio courses.
• Design and continuously improve studio-based, experiential learning curricula.
• Integrate engineering fundamentals with industry and research-focused projects.
• Teach additional mechanical engineering courses as needed to support program growth.
• Mentor undergraduate design projects and student teams.
• Support development of the Mechanical Engineering curriculum.
• Contribute to departmental efforts to build an innovative and practice-oriented engineering program.
• Participate in departmental, school, and university activities as appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty to strengthen interdisciplinary engineering education.
• Support student learning through hands-on design, experimentation, prototyping, and manufacturing experiences.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate engineering education.
• Demonstrated commitment to student mentorship and academic success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant professional, postdoctoral, or industry experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Mechanical engineering design
  • Manufacturing
  • Product development
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Robotics
  • Energy systems
  • Related engineering disciplines
• Experience with:
  • Engineering design processes
  • Prototyping and manufacturing techniques
  • CAD/CAE tools
  • Experimental methods
  • Hands-on engineering practices
• Experience developing project-based, experiential, or studio-based engineering courses.