Job Details

CONTACT INFORMATION: Human Resources 325-670-1259 or careers@hsutx.edu 

SUMMARY/SCOPE:

The Department of Engineering at Hardin-Simmons University invites applications for a full-time non-tenure track position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Preferred applicants should have an earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or an appropriate closely related discipline. Candidates will be considered with experience in all areas of mechanical engineering but those with experience and interests cutting across multiple disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. 

We seek a creative and collegial faculty member committed to excellence in student-centered, innovative undergraduate teaching. Preferred applicants should either have documented teaching experience or be familiar with curriculum design, implementation of active learning strategies, and assessment of student learning. The successful candidate is desired to be dedicated teacher, embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration, and have a versatile teaching portfolio suitable for a broad spectrum of courses.

The standard teaching load for faculty is 12 hours per semester, with the possibility of teaching during the summer terms for additional compensation. The University is significantly expanding its STEM research portfolio and is keenly interested in faculty that can aid in this venture. Unique research opportunities already exist within the department and participation and expansion of these endeavors will be available and fostered and can offset teaching load where relevant.  Faculty members are expected to advise students academically, to serve on departmental and university committees, to demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with colleagues inside and outside of the department, to support the missions of the Engineering Department and Hardin-Simmons University, and to perform other duties consistent with the faculty job description as stated in the faculty contract.

The Department of Engineering at Hardin-Simmons is newly created and started the Fall of 2023 with record enrollment. The program home is in Abilene Hall, a central and historic center of campus, but newly and entirely renovated to house engineering. The facility is being supported by a full array of cutting-edge lab, research, and academic equipment designed to provide the pinnacle educational experience for the engineers of today and tomorrow. This unique opportunity will provide faculty the opportunity to help shape and guide the development of the new engineering programs at HSU.

HSU JOB FAMILY CLASSIFICATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No supervisor responsibilities, except for supervision of student workers.

COMPETENCIES: As a part of a Teaching Philosophy, address each competency listed below describing your background and qualifications in each area.

Interview decisions are partially based on this information. 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision while working within a management of team; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.

Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods. 

Leadership - Exhibit’s confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others. 

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity. 

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans. 

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (Language, Mathematical, Reasoning and Computer Skills):

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to teach undergraduate mathematics.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.  Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 

COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software; spreadsheet software; and Internet software.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Masters or doctorate in mechanical engineering or a related field with a minimum of 18 hours of graduate level coursework is required.

PhD preferred. ABD candidate will be considered, but if hired and the degree has not been earned by the start of the employment period, the initial appointment will be made at the rank of Instructor and will only be converted upon the documented completion of the degree. 

Excellent teaching and communication skills required.

This position is a non-tenure track 9-month appointment with the possibility of teaching additional courses during summer sessions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

None are required for this position at this time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands 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.

This job is sedentary in nature. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods while performing office and computer operations. Occasionally will be required to stand; walk and stoop and/or kneel.

This position requires standing/sitting for lectures, stooping, squatting, kneeling, getting up and down from the floor and lifting up to 10 -25 lbs. on occasion.

Occasional trips across campus from one building to another may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is a Full-Time Exempt Level position with a teaching load at the Hardin-Simmons University campus. Must be willing to relocate to Abilene, Texas, or the surrounding area to teach in-person classes on the HSU Campus.

Occasional travel may be required for training workshops and/or professional conferences, etc.

Must have and maintain a valid Class C Driver’s License and maintain a clear driving record to be insurable under the university liability policy.

Must be able to drive to complete work assignments on and off campus, as needed.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: For more information concerning benefits offered to HSU employees, see the HSU Benefits Summary on the HSU website.