What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructor 12 Mo position at Arkansas State University?
Please note: All postings close at 12 A.M. CST on the closing date. A-State participates in E-Verify.
Position Summary:
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (CoECS) at Arkansas State University (A-State) invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical Engineering. This on-campus appointment will begin no later than July 1, 2026.
The successful candidate will contribute to both research and teaching in key engineering and Mechanical Engineering areas in Dynamics and Control Systems, and may include extended areas such as Mechatronics, Experimental Methods and their associated labs. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in academia through active engagement in teaching, research and student mentorship. The hired candidate will have the opportunity to participate in university service if they desire. The new hire will be part of an outstanding CoECS team, helping the college achieve greater heights in the years to come.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of this position encompass two broad areas: research and teaching. The successful candidate will teach key Mechanical Engineering courses as well as support courses in core Engineering areas. Candidates will be encouraged to engage in both independent and collaborative research projects with our existing faculty whenever possible. Proposal submissions to external funding agencies will be supported and encouraged as part of their research activity.
About the College:
The CoECS is on a growth trajectory with a strategic development plan, emphasizing student experience, faculty development, and strong community engagement. The college serves in excess of 1000 students across nine majors. It offers ABET-accredited B.S. degrees in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as M.S. degrees in these fields. It offers ATMAE-accredited program in Engineering Technology. CoECS also has a global impact, with a campus in Querétaro, Mexico (ASUCQ) as well as Qatar. Student success and research are important endeavors in college. Learn more about CoECS at A-State Engineering from the link: https://www.astate.edu/college/ecs/.
About Arkansas State University:
Founded in 1909 and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, the university has maintained its student-centered teaching tradition while achieving Carnegie R2 status as a national doctoral-granting university. Arkansas State currently offers 160 degree programs across the doctoral, specialist, master, bachelor, and associate degree levels. A-State Online is the largest provider of digitally accessible programming in the state of Arkansas. The Jonesboro campus is host to the first osteopathic medical school in Arkansas, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State and operates the first American-style residential campus in Mexico, A-State Campus Querétaro. A second location has been launched at Qatar. Further, a new College of Veterinary Medicine has been launched by the university. Home to more than 15,726 students, including from over 50 countries, and more than 100,000 alumni, Arkansas State is the largest campus of the Arkansas State University System.
About Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas:
Jonesboro is the regional hub of Northeast Arkansas for healthcare, entertainment, business, advanced manufacturing, software development, and civil engineering applications. It is the 5th largest city in Arkansas with a population of over 76,000. Our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is over 130,000. With a thriving downtown entertainment sector near campus to the west and the growing Hilltop area to our east, the A-State campus is situated in the heart of our hometown. More information can be found here[1].
Northeast Arkansas is home to a bustling industrial hub in advanced manufacturing, materials handling, food processing, air purification systems, construction engineering/construction management, software development and steel production. With significant expansion of advanced steel manufacturing in Mississippi county (about an hour from Jonesboro), the state of Arkansas is poised to be the No.1 state in the nation in steel production. In recognition of these developments, the federal government announced an award of $10 million for the purchase of industrial scale steel research equipment to be part of a Center of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing to be set up on the campus of Arkansas State University. The role of the Center will be to support the research needs of steel companies in the nation, and especially those in Arkansas. The university has also made a commitment to set up an academic Department focused on advanced materials and metallurgical academic programs and research. The press release can be found here[2].
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Broad knowledge of the courses at undergraduate and graduate levels in Mechanical Engineering, in broader area of dynamics and control systems, etc. The ability to collaborate with faculty in the Mechanical Engineering program, as well as across other disciplines within the college, will be viewed very positively.
General Days/Hours:
Applicant should expect to maintain a teaching and office hours schedule within regular business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Other:
- Preference will be given to candidates with a terminal degree from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated focus in the key areas, and exposure to teaching and project work in the subject areas. Industrial and/or prior postdoctoral experience is a plus.
- Evidence of scholarly productivity or potential for high-impact research.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, and teaching statement, along with a list of three references.
Arkansas State University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Applicants must have an earned doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline completed by July 1, 2026.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
- Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.