Boston University, Mechanical Engineering Department

Position ID:
BU-ME-POP [#30750]
Position Title: 
Professor of the Practice
Position Type:
Non tenure-track faculty
Position Location:
Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Mechanical Engineering / manufacturing and product development, engineering design
Appl Deadline:
2026/02/01 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/10/02, listed until 2026/02/01)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Boston University invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor of the Practice, Professor of the Practice, Senior Lecturer, or Master Lecturer beginning in July 2026 in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.


The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the Senior Capstone course within the department, a role that involves leading a team of instructors, working with industry to solicit projects and financial support, organizing and curating projects to provide the most meaningful experience for students, and overseeing the operations of the entire course.


This position is a renewable, three-year, limited-term, non-tenure track appointment. The faculty role will involve mentoring several of the student teams, participation with department curriculum and assessment committees, and collaboration with faculty in related courses.  Salary will be provided for the 9-month academic year and comes with full benefits.  Additional summer salary opportunities may be available through teaching summer courses or taking on administrative roles.

We are particularly interested in candidates with substantial experience in industrial settings and/or strong connections to industry from which real-world capstone projects can be developed. Demonstrated interest in teaching is desirable, including experience teaching relevant Mechanical Engineering courses, conducting outreach, or mentoring and training students or colleagues.  We are also interested in individuals with experience in product design and/or manufacturing engineering.

An ideal candidate will exhibit some or all the following qualities:

  • Ability to forge industry partnerships – Connect students with real-world projects supported by well-funded budgets.

  • Strong organizational skills – Ability to manage a multi-faceted program, establish realistic deadlines, milestones, and deliverables, and oversee progress toward completion.

  • Exceptional communication skills – Ability to communicate effectively with students and multiple faculty advisors in a timely and professional manner. Able to define and articulate standards of excellence for both faculty advisors and students.

  • Commitment to student success – Passion for helping students flourish and excel in engineering, with the ability to integrate engineering analysis and engineering design.

  • Previous teaching, advising, or mentoring experience.


If you are passionate about helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and have any of the above qualities, we’d love to hear from you. Interested applicants should include the following in their application:

  1. A cover letter that describes how your experience is a good match for the role.

  2. A teaching statement that describes your teaching philosophy and experience.

  3. A current CV.

  4. Names of three references with their contact information (email, phone number and address). 


Applications can be sent to the Department of Mechanical Engineering office via email, bumeche@bu.edu, (Subject: Senior Capstone PoP Application) or by regular mail addressed to:


Department of Mechanical Engineering

Boston University

110 Cummington Mall, Room 101

Boston, MA  02215

Attn: Elena Digan

Ref: Senior Capstone PoP Application


Applications will be considered immediately and for as long as the job remains open. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early.


The Mechanical Engineering department at Boston University is a world-class department with excellent resources that is steadily gaining national and international prominence for its exceptional research and education record. The department is part of BU’s rapidly growing and innovative College of Engineering, and currently consists of about 50 faculty members, 250 graduate students, and 750 undergraduate students. We are dedicated to increasing the participation of all talented students and are committed to the pursuit of engineering by underrepresented groups at BU and beyond.

Beyond its research and academic activities, BU has a lively, urban campus situated along the banks of the Charles River in Boston’s historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. The campus and surrounding areas offer limitless opportunities for recreational activities, from world-class art and performances to sporting events and fine dining.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas.


We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.


Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.  Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.



Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Teaching statement
  • Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
http://www.bu.edu/me
email address
617-353-5435
 
Boston University
College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
110 Cummington Street, Room 101
Boston, MA 02215