Human Resources

Summary

Michigan Technological University and the Materials Science & Engineering Department invite applications for tenure-track faculty positions as Assistant Professors. Preferred applicants will have a degree in MSE or an equivalent materials-centric discipline. Applicants whose research focuses on contemporary approaches to traditional processing-structure-property relationships in materials are particularly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of professional contributions and the potential to continue and sustain a high-quality, peer-recognized teaching and research program.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply, see Belonging.

Responsibilities 

Establish and maintain an essential role in the department’s teaching program at both the undergraduate and graduate level, supporting both the core MSE curriculum and through the development of relevant signature electives. Assist with curricular/program development, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Develop and maintain a strong, externally recognized research program that includes the establishment of a continuous record of external funding, ongoing graduate advising, peer-recognized scholarship, and contributions to the advancement of knowledge within the profession.

Contribute to the success and reputation of the department by participating in professional service activities at the departmental, college, university, and professional levels.

Establish, promote, and execute a culture of safety within personal labs, departmental labs, university classrooms, and in all work activities. Implement and apply an ongoing continuous improvement strategy to all activities.

Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work and also apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

An earned doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field.

Required Experience

An established record of scholarship, and a demonstrated potential to propose, lead, administer, and successfully effectuate a sustainable research program.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

An undergraduate degree in the discipline of Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field. A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or an equivalent materials-centric discipline. Experience with classroom teaching, university course design, peer-leadership positions or responsibilities, and research planning, advising, and administration. Experience leading or mentoring students, interns, or junior colleagues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

An ability to successfully communicate and convey ideas and concepts in a variety of contexts and audiences encountered at a research university, including undergraduate, graduate, and research and professional colleagues.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Strong and effective communication skills and style, both written and oral. An ability to collaborate and provide additive value to multi-investigator activities and projects.

Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. This is not an E-Verified Position.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

9 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants will need to upload the following documents:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter summarizing qualifications for the position
• Statement of Teaching Interests
• Statement of Research Plans

We strongly encourage applicants to address the required and desired qualifications in their cover letter along with an explanation of how they will contribute to the Vision and Mission of Michigan Tech.

Applicants will need to provide contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at a later time. Applications received by 3 January 2025 will receive full consideration. Nominations or inquiries of a general nature may be directed to msesearch@mtu.edu.

Additional Information

Michigan Tech enrolls 7,000+ students, of which approximately 4,100 are in the College of Engineering. The MSE Department is led by an experienced faculty (presently fourteen members) and has an approximate enrollment of 120 undergraduates and graduate students. The department features outstanding educational and research infrastructures, including state of the art electron optic facilities, a broad range of materials processing capabilities, and a comprehensive inventory of materials characterization competencies; all housed within approximately 125,000 square feet of modern research laboratories. The educational and research programs are supported by a dedicated and highly qualified technical staff comprising ten specialists formally trained in core methods and technologies. Numerous opportunities exist to collaborate with colleagues conducting excellent materials-related research in peer departments across campus. Additional information about the university and department can be found at http://www.mtu.edu/materials.

Michigan Technological University, one of the four major research universities in the State of Michigan, is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior. Established in 1885 as the Michigan College of Mining to support the most prominent engineering endeavors of that era, Michigan Tech remains on the forefront of technological innovation as an internationally recognized research university specializing in engineering and science education and discovery. The campus is located on the adventure-rich Keweenaw Peninsula in the city of Houghton, MI on the south shore of Lake Superior. The community offers a friendly, safe, and affordable small-town environment with excellent opportunities for seasonal, year-round recreation and a rich quality-of-life.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM. 

Michigan Tech recognizes the importance of supporting faculty members’ partners; candidates selected for on-campus interviews will be invited to bring a guest. Additional details on our Partner Engagement Program can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/provost/programs/partner-engagement/.