Professor of Practice - Mechanical Engineering Technology - (FAC002441)

The Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston invites applications for a non-tenure track instructional position in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program, at the Professor of Practice level starting in Fall 2022. We seek an outstanding individual demonstrating a track record of excellence in hands-on laboratory experience in the general field of mechanical engineering. The applicant may have gained such experimental knowledge either within academia, industry, and/or a combination of both. A MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering field is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a Ph.D. degree.

The selected applicant is expected to teach undergraduate labs in Materials Technology, Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, and support undergraduate Senior Design (Capstone) projects. The Lab instructor will contribute to ABET accreditation protocols and ensure OSHA safety requirements for labs. The instructor will train and recruit Teaching Assistants. and work with MET lab managers/technicians to maintain smooth functioning of labs and maintain a safe environment for students. The following skills are desirable as well: machining experience, skills to build, assemble, calibrate, test, set up equipment for mechanical, thermo-fluidic, materials mechatronics systems, and design and simulation software in mechanical engineering technology.

The application packet should include: (a) curriculum vitae; (b) contact information of three references; (c) a two-page statement on the applicant’s philosophy regarding teaching; (d) a two-three-page summary on the applicant’s previous accomplished projects and experience related to hands-on activities in laboratory and/or industrial tasks involving experiments and testing.

The University of Houston is a Tier One Research University with strong connections to the Houston Energy Research Park, Houston Energy Corridor, and the Texas Medical Center. With access to state-of-the-art technology and research facilities, the Department of Engineering Technology has experienced steady growth in research funding and student enrollment. The University of Houston, with one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, seeks to recruit and retain a diverse community of scholars.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications :

Experience related to the following MET labs is highly desirable:

1. Materials Technology lab: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), thermo-mechanical processing (e.g. rolling, stamping, etc.), strain gauges, servo-hydraulic equipment (tensile/compression test), hardness, mechanical milling, Jominy Test, high temperature ovens, fatigue test, thermal analysis, physics of composites, mechanical properties, corrosion and degradation, non-destructive testing, manage chemicals such as metallic powders, acids and bases (e.g. HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, NaOH, etc.), experience in polishing, optical and electron microscopy, ASTM/ASM standards, among others.
2. Strength of Materials lab: Tensile test, Ultrasonic Non-destructive testing, Charpy Impact, Creep Testing, Torsion, Stress and Strain in Beams, Dye Penetrant, Hardness Test, and Fatigue.
3. Fluids Mechanics lab: Fluid properties (viscosity, surface tension, specific gravity), hydrostatics, control volume and differential analysis of fluid flows, internal and external flows, turbulence, compressibility, dimensional analysis and scaling, and turbomachinery
4. Thermal sciences lab: ideal gases (Boyle's law), expansion of a perfect gas, temperature measurement and calibration, conductivity of liquids and gases, conduction, natural convection, forced convection, radiation, tubular heat exchanger, cooling tower experiment, power cycle (heat engine), refrigeration cycle, thermal power plant, saturated steam experiment (Marcet boiler), boiling heat-transfer, and condensation

Notes to Applicant: Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of final candidate. All positions at the University of Houston are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.