Teaching Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

Teaching Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

THE OPPORTUNITY
 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor.  The department is looking for superb educators who inspire students and engage in modern pedagogical approaches, while embodying and advancing the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access. Candidates excited about contributing to Mines’ innovative Mechanical Engineering curriculum are encouraged to apply.
 

Special consideration will be given to candidates capable of contributing to Mines’ Mechatronics-focused courses. Desirable skills and experience include:

• Robot and cobot arms

• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

• Data acquisition systems (DAQs)

• Electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic actuator selection, test, and integration

• Sensor selection, test, and integration

• Physical prototyping 

• Control theory

• Dynamics and vibrations

• Machine vision

• Autonomous systems

• Coding, specifically Arduino, LabVIEW, Python, and Matlab

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Computer aided design (CAD), specifically SolidWorks
   

Review of applications will begin on December 2nd, 2024, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to those submitted by January 1, 2025. Contact search chair, Daniel Blood, (dblood@mines.edu) with questions.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in Mechanical Engineering. 

• Supervise and mentor undergraduate students.  Support and advise graduate students based on qualifications and need.

• Cultivate and promote an inclusive and diverse Mines community through recruiting, mentoring, and service.

• Contribute to Department, University, and professional communities through active service.
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or another closely related field with relevant experience from an accredited program by the time the appointment begins.

• Commitment and ability to support excellent teaching and curriculum development in Mechanical Engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Passion for teaching and instruction with a commitment to learning and implementing best practices in STEM pedagogy at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Commitment to implement best practices in diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to create environments where all can succeed.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated effective teaching ability at the university level.
   

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is focused on education and both basic and applied research that addresses problems of national interest in the areas of thermal-fluid systems, systems/operations engineering, advanced manufacturing, biomechanics, robotics and automation, and solid mechanics and materials. Our undergraduate enrollment in Mechanical Engineering is 2,086, with approximately 22% women and 17.7% underrepresented students. We pride ourselves on a strong project-based spine of undergraduate courses that apply theoretical knowledge and engineering skills in classroom activities and team projects. The ME Department currently has 29 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 16 teaching faculty, 4 professors of practice, and 6 research faculty. We maintain a high-quality, well-funded research program (~$12M in annual research awards) with strong participation from students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Approximately 161 graduate students (24.8% women, 12.4% underrepresented) study within a broad research portfolio. Major specialty programs for undergraduate and graduate students include robotics, automotive engineering, biomechanics, aerospace engineering, energy systems and systems engineering/operations research.  More information can be found at mechanical.mines.edu.

ABOUT MINES AND GOLDEN, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

Look to Mines. 

More information can be found at www.mines.edu..

PAY RANGE

Mines is offering an academic year salary rate of $81,680 to $94,050.

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

TOTAL REWARDS

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Access to an on-campus daycare center

• Free RTD Ecopass
   

Mines’ leadership and innovation bring proximity and access to several research centers, consortia, agencies, labs, and leading-edge technology. Additionally, all Mines employees have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center and the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP). For more information, visit Mines benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin on December 2nd, 2024, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Priority will be given to those submitted by January 1, 2025.  The desired start date is August 2025.  

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, names and contact information of three professional references from whom letters may be subsequently requested, and veteran status) and upload the below documents. Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents.

• cover letter briefly describing interest in and qualifications for the position

• curriculum vitae statement of teaching, with a description of experience in project-based courses, online education, and use of active learning techniques in the classroom (up to 3 pages)

• statement on contributions to diversity and inclusion, describing your past experiences and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines (up to 3 pages)

Teaching Statement: Mines and the ME Department prides itself on strong, project-based course offerings that apply theoretical knowledge and engineering skills through classroom activities. Candidates should describe their pedagogical approach, how it reflects best practices in STEM education, and describe any teaching qualifications, including previous experience. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should highlight their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.

Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity – for more information visit  https://www.mines.edu/diversity/. The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond. Candidates are strongly encouraged to connect their proposed activities to best practices. 

Mines welcomes everyone to our team; in your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). If you would like to request an accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please contact hr@mines.edu.The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond. Candidates are strongly encouraged to connect their proposed activities to best practices. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce. 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Background check is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any application questions.

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting