Description

The Duke University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) in the Pratt School of Engineering is seeking applicants for multiple Assistant Professor faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering. Those with a focus on Aerospace Engineering and early career researchers doing innovative work in all areas of Mechanical Engineering are encouraged to apply. Applicants who complement existing Duke MEMS strengths in aeroelasticity and unsteady aerodynamics, experimental and theoretical fluid mechanics, nonlinear dynamics and stability, and control of fluid and structural systems are especially encouraged. Distinguished scholars at mid-career may also be considered.  Information on the multidisciplinary research and teaching in MEMS can be found at https://mems.duke.edu/.  Duke aspires to be a national and international leader in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Duke University and the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science are strongly committed to advancing inclusive excellence throughout our research, teaching, and service activities. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.  

Interested candidates should submit the following by December 1, 2026:

• cover letter (with contact information);  
• curriculum vitae;  
• research statement (no more than 3 pages) that includes a description of past research accomplishments, plans for future research, and description of past experiences demonstrating your commitment to community building and outreach;  
• teaching and mentoring statement (no more than 3 pages) describing teaching philosophy, previous experiences, future plans for teaching, and description of past experiences promoting and supporting a community building and outreach; and  
• list of three to five references who will provide letters on behalf of the candidate; note, letters will not be requested until after the first round of application evaluations.

Applicants should have an earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.   

Applicants must apply through Academic Jobs Online. Review of applications will begin immediately; applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive priority attention.  All applications received past this date will be considered until the positions are filled.  

Please note that Duke specifically seeks information about past misconduct or policy violations (in the past ten (10) years) and/or relevant pending investigations as part of the application process. Disclosures will not be an automatic bar to hiring but, instead, will initiate further dialogue regarding past actions and steps taken to address them. Disclosures will not be shared with search committees during the application review process.

Do you have questions about the search?  We can help – please send questions via email to the search committee chair at earl.dowell@duke.edu.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.