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

Vanderbilt University: School of Engineering: Mechanical EngineeringLocationNashville, TNOpen DateSep 26, 2025DescriptionThe 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.EducationThe 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 materialsTheoretical understanding through first-principles calculations and AINovel energy conversion, storage and transport techniquesIntelligent materials-based energy systemsCandidates who can contribute to the interdisciplinary strength of the Energy Cluster—or those with novel applications of emerging technologies related to energy materials—are highly encouraged to apply.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.QualificationsCandidates 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.Application InstructionsApplications Will Be Reviewed As They Are Received; Those Received By December 1, 2025, Will Be Given Full Consideration. Applications Should Include The Following MaterialsCover letterComplete curriculum vitaeStatement of research interests, highlighting potential collaborative opportunities within and beyond the Energy ClusterStatement of teaching philosophy, including innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum developmentService statement (required for tenure applicants only)Contact information for at least three references