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Mechanical Engineering - Department Head - 525722
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Mechanical Engineering - Department Head - 525722
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Mechanical Engineering - Department Head - 525722
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Position Summary The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. The anticipated start date for the position is no later than Fall 2026.
Detailed Position Information The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME: https://me.eng.ua.edu) and the College of Engineering (CoE – https://eng.ua.edu) at The University of Alabama (UA: https://ua.edu) invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. The anticipated start date for the position is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This opportunity presents the chance for a dynamic and visionary leader who has a demonstrated record of success as an outstanding scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor to join our UA College of Engineering and our Department of Mechanical Engineering during a period of record growth and success, with opportunities and significant resources at their disposal to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of mechanical engineering in the nation. Candidates with prestigious achievements, significant impact in their fields, and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as an
Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor
(https://provost.ua.edu/shelby-endowment/). These Shelby Distinguished Professor positions are one of the highest honors bestowed upon faculty at The University of Alabama, and candidates who feel their record and accomplishments warrant consideration for this additional honor should indicate this in their cover letter.
At this exciting time, both the UA College of Engineering and its Department of Mechanical Engineering have experienced tremendous growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise over the past decade. The College currently has more than 4800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is the largest department within the UA College of Engineering, with a current enrollment of more than 1600 undergraduate students and a graduate enrollment of almost 200 students. The department offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and two graduate degrees, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. The department is on a multi‑year effort to significantly expand its faculty size to better serve its students and to add depth and breadth to the range of research activities across the department and its faculty. The department and its faculty recently moved into their new departmental home in the UA South Engineering Research Center (SERC). The new home provides brand‑new spaces, including a new central departmental administrative suite, that will allow the department and its programs to continue to thrive and grow while also providing a cohesive space to build community across the department among its faculty, staff, and students.
The next Department Head for Mechanical Engineering will have a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of the department and work with the leadership of the College of Engineering to deploy the significant resources of the College and university toward the goal of making the department one of the preeminent mechanical engineering departments in the country.
Under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, the UA College of Engineering has embarked on an ambitious and transformative initiative entitled ‘Top‑30+ by ‘30’. The goals of this initiative center around the College continuing its meteoric rise to be a top‑30 program in all aspects of its educational, research, and service operations by 2030. This effort translates into a number of goals and targets, including being one of the top 30 national programs in terms of: (1) the number of degrees produced at both the undergraduate and graduate level; (2) scholarly productivity in engineering and computer science; (3) research awards and expenditures; (4) faculty size and range of expertise; and (5) innovation and translational productivity. There are tremendous opportunities for the new Department Head of Mechanical Engineering to join in this visionary effort.
Responsibilities The Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is the academic and administrative leader of the department. The expectation is that this individual will serve as Department Head for a minimum of 5 years, with potential renewal beyond that time frame. The Department Head is part of the College of Engineering senior leadership team, serving as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Department Head is directly supported by two additional faculty members (Associate Department Heads) and by Program Coordinators who oversee administrative and programmatic aspects of degree programs. The Department Head will also have a professional staff team, including an Administrative Assistant. Successful candidates will contribute to the life of the department, college, and university through research, teaching, and service contributions consistent with the Department Head responsibilities. They will maintain a high‑quality, high‑impact scholarly research program, teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, advise and mentor Ph.D. students, and provide service to the department, university, and broader scholarly community.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
10+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member in a mechanical engineering or closely related department.
A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
15+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in a mechanical engineering or closely related department.
Have a demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar level of responsibility.
Instructions And Required Materials For Application Required application documents include:
A cover letter that includes the department name and the title of the position.
A 2 to 5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience positions them well to serve as the Department Head for Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama.
A resume/curriculum vitae.
A statement of research interests and plans.
A one to two page statement of teaching interests.
The names and contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and approval by the candidate).
Application Timeline Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 to receive fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the positions are filled. A typical start date of August 16, 2026 is expected, but flexibility with respect to start date is possible.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre‑employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation does not automatically disqualify a candidate. The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of protected status.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Online Audio and Video Media
Advertised 22 Sep 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close 31 Dec 2025 Central Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mechanical Engineering - Department Head - 525722
role at
Inside Higher Ed
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI‑powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Position Summary The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. The anticipated start date for the position is no later than Fall 2026.
Detailed Position Information The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME: https://me.eng.ua.edu) and the College of Engineering (CoE – https://eng.ua.edu) at The University of Alabama (UA: https://ua.edu) invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering. The anticipated start date for the position is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This opportunity presents the chance for a dynamic and visionary leader who has a demonstrated record of success as an outstanding scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor to join our UA College of Engineering and our Department of Mechanical Engineering during a period of record growth and success, with opportunities and significant resources at their disposal to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of mechanical engineering in the nation. Candidates with prestigious achievements, significant impact in their fields, and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as an
Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor
(https://provost.ua.edu/shelby-endowment/). These Shelby Distinguished Professor positions are one of the highest honors bestowed upon faculty at The University of Alabama, and candidates who feel their record and accomplishments warrant consideration for this additional honor should indicate this in their cover letter.
At this exciting time, both the UA College of Engineering and its Department of Mechanical Engineering have experienced tremendous growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise over the past decade. The College currently has more than 4800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is the largest department within the UA College of Engineering, with a current enrollment of more than 1600 undergraduate students and a graduate enrollment of almost 200 students. The department offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and two graduate degrees, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. The department is on a multi‑year effort to significantly expand its faculty size to better serve its students and to add depth and breadth to the range of research activities across the department and its faculty. The department and its faculty recently moved into their new departmental home in the UA South Engineering Research Center (SERC). The new home provides brand‑new spaces, including a new central departmental administrative suite, that will allow the department and its programs to continue to thrive and grow while also providing a cohesive space to build community across the department among its faculty, staff, and students.
The next Department Head for Mechanical Engineering will have a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of the department and work with the leadership of the College of Engineering to deploy the significant resources of the College and university toward the goal of making the department one of the preeminent mechanical engineering departments in the country.
Under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, the UA College of Engineering has embarked on an ambitious and transformative initiative entitled ‘Top‑30+ by ‘30’. The goals of this initiative center around the College continuing its meteoric rise to be a top‑30 program in all aspects of its educational, research, and service operations by 2030. This effort translates into a number of goals and targets, including being one of the top 30 national programs in terms of: (1) the number of degrees produced at both the undergraduate and graduate level; (2) scholarly productivity in engineering and computer science; (3) research awards and expenditures; (4) faculty size and range of expertise; and (5) innovation and translational productivity. There are tremendous opportunities for the new Department Head of Mechanical Engineering to join in this visionary effort.
Responsibilities The Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is the academic and administrative leader of the department. The expectation is that this individual will serve as Department Head for a minimum of 5 years, with potential renewal beyond that time frame. The Department Head is part of the College of Engineering senior leadership team, serving as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Department Head is directly supported by two additional faculty members (Associate Department Heads) and by Program Coordinators who oversee administrative and programmatic aspects of degree programs. The Department Head will also have a professional staff team, including an Administrative Assistant. Successful candidates will contribute to the life of the department, college, and university through research, teaching, and service contributions consistent with the Department Head responsibilities. They will maintain a high‑quality, high‑impact scholarly research program, teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, advise and mentor Ph.D. students, and provide service to the department, university, and broader scholarly community.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
10+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member in a mechanical engineering or closely related department.
A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
15+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in a mechanical engineering or closely related department.
Have a demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar level of responsibility.
Instructions And Required Materials For Application Required application documents include:
A cover letter that includes the department name and the title of the position.
A 2 to 5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience positions them well to serve as the Department Head for Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama.
A resume/curriculum vitae.
A statement of research interests and plans.
A one to two page statement of teaching interests.
The names and contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and approval by the candidate).
Application Timeline Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 to receive fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the positions are filled. A typical start date of August 16, 2026 is expected, but flexibility with respect to start date is possible.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre‑employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation does not automatically disqualify a candidate. The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of protected status.
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Online Audio and Video Media
Advertised 22 Sep 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close 31 Dec 2025 Central Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr