Job Details
Posting Number: FAC00127PO26
Advertised Title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering - Solid Mechanics
Campus: Columbia
College/Division: College of Engineering and Computing
Department: CEC Mechanical Engineering
Advertised Salary Range: To commensurate with qualifications
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Hours per Week: 40
Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
Basis: 9 months
Work County: Richland
Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
Job Search Category: Faculty
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC is seeking a qualified applicant for an Assistant Professor Tenure-Track faculty position to support its Mechanical Engineering program. USC and MCEC pursue a bold vision of supporting the state’s growing aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and nuclear industries while experiencing sustained growth in student numbers and research output. We aim to hire innovative and bold thought leaders focused on student success, outstanding research, and the motivation and drive to support the US and SC economy and industrial base. This 9-month faculty Assistant Professor position is tenure track with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027.
Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank should possess a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of engineering education are highly encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of mechanical engineering. In particular, candidates with a strong track record of research and teaching in the broad field of solid mechanics and mechanics of materials are encouraged to apply. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, mechanics for extreme environments and nuclear applications; mechanics-informed advanced manufacturing; integrated experimental and computational mechanics; fracture, damage, and failure; and transformative AI-enabled advances that deliver fundamentally new capabilities in these areas or in solid mechanics more broadly.
The successful candidates must have the ability to (1) teach and develop Mechanical Engineering curriculum (including lecture, laboratory, or design courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across colleges and institutions, and (4) be engaged in professional activities.
USC is a Flagship, R1 research university experiencing sustained growth in number of students and research. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has seven academic departments with over 40 academic programs, more than 3,600 undergraduate students, and received over $73m of competitive federal sponsored research awards in 2025. MCEC received a transformational gift naming the college in 2024 and is on a bold trajectory to continue its rapid rise in elevating student excellence, scholarly impact, and drive economic impact in South Carolina and across the US.
This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213703 with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) names & contact information of at least three references.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.” Questions about the departmental search may be directed to: Associate Professor Andrew Gross, AndrewGross@sc.edu, Phone: +1 803-777-0183
Required Education and Experience
Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank should possess a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of engineering education are highly encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidates must have the ability to (1) teach and develop Mechanical Engineering curriculum (including lecture, laboratory, or design courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across colleges and institutions, and (4) be engaged in professional activities.
Desired Start Date: 08/16/2027
Job Open Date: 09/25/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213703 with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) names & contact information of at least three references.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213703
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.