Visiting Assistant Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

USD $80,000.00 - USD $85,000.00 /Yr.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applications for a

Visiting Assistant Professor with an interest and background in Fluid Mechanics, Gas

Dynamics, and Thermal Sciences. The successful candidate will work closely with

faculty in the department to offer courses in related fields.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in gas dynamics,

advanced fluid dynamics, and related thermal-fluid science subjects, and will contribute to

the continued development of the department’s curriculum in these areas.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the Visiting Assistant Professor will be an active

member of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, participating in

department activities including student advising, research, seminars, and service.

Candidates with a strong commitment to teaching excellence are encouraged to

apply, including recent PhD graduates and experienced practitioners with backgrounds in

mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related fields.

Teaching & Instruction

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in gas dynamics, advanced fluid dynamics,
  
  
  

and related thermal-fluid science subjects, as assigned by the department.

• Prepare and deliver lectures, and develop syllabi, assignments, laboratory exercises,
  
  
  

and assessments aligned with course learning objectives and accreditation

requirements.

• Hold regular office hours and provide timely, constructive feedback and grades to
  
  
  

students.

• Employ effective, evidence-based teaching practices and modern instructional tools to
  
  
  

support student learning.

• Coordinate laboratory and recitation sections and supervise teaching assistants
  
  
  

associated with assigned courses.

• Assess student learning outcomes and contribute to continuous course and
  
  
  

curriculum improvement.

Student Advising & Mentorship

• Advise undergraduate students on academic planning, course selection, and progress
  
  
  

toward degree requirements.

• Mentor students on career preparation, graduate study opportunities, and
  
  
  

professional development.

• Support student design teams, capstone projects, and independent studies in the
  
  
  

thermal-fluid sciences as appropriate.

• Refer students to appropriate campus resources and support services to promote
  
  
  

student success and retention.

Research & Scholarly Engagement

• Participate in departmental research activities and collaborate with faculty on
  
  
  

projects in fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, and thermal sciences.

• Involve undergraduate and graduate students in research and provide guidance on
  
  
  

research methods and best practices.

• Disseminate scholarly work through publications, conference presentations, or
  
  
  

seminars as opportunities arise.

Department & University Service

• Participate in department activities, including faculty meetings, seminars, and
  
  
  

committee service as assigned.

• Contribute to curriculum development, assessment of student learning outcomes, and
  
  
  

ABET accreditation efforts.

• Support departmental outreach, recruitment, and retention initiatives, including open
  
  
  

houses and orientation events.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff across the department and university to support the
  
  
  

academic mission.

Operational & Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of academic integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in
  
  
  

all teaching, advising, and research activities.

• Comply with university and department policies, including timely submission of
  
  
  

grades, syllabi, and assessment materials.

• Participate in conferences, workshops, or professional meetings relevant to teaching
  
  
  

and the thermal-fluid sciences as needed.

• Engage in continuous professional development in pedagogy and in gas dynamics,
  
  
  

fluid dynamics, and related technical fields.

• Assist with other teaching-related tasks, departmental initiatives, and academic
  
  
  

activities as assigned.

Education

Minimal Qualifications PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace

Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications Prior experience teaching undergraduate or graduate

courses in fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, or thermal sciences, and a record of

scholarly activity in a related field.

Experience

Minimal Experience

• Experience teaching or assisting with instruction in fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, or related thermal-fluid science courses at the university level. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in course development, laboratory instruction, and the use of computational tools such as MATLAB, Python, or CFD software.
• Strong theoretical foundation in gas dynamics, fluid mechanics, and thermal
  
  
  

sciences, or related areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness, or strong potential for excellence, in
  
  
  

delivering clear, well-organized instruction at the undergraduate and

graduate levels.

• Ability to develop and teach courses in compressible flow, advanced fluid
  
  
  

dynamics, and related thermal-fluid subjects.

• Proficiency with computational and analytical tools used in fluids
  
  
  

instruction and research, such as MATLAB, Python, or CFD software.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex
  
  
  

technical concepts clearly to diverse student audiences.

• Capacity for independent work, including course preparation, curriculum
  
  
  

development, and management of instructional responsibilities with minimal

supervision.

• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff,
  
  
  

and students across the department and university.

• Mentorship and advising ability, particularly in guiding undergraduate
  
  
  

students in academic planning, research, and professional development.

• Organizational skills, including maintaining clear course records, meeting
  
  
  

deadlines, and coordinating laboratory and course logistics.

• Commitment to student success, with a demonstrated interest in effective
  
  
  

pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices.

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records