Description
About Augustana College:
Augustana College is a private, selective, residential liberal arts and sciences college with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students. Our scenic 115-acre campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area along the Mississippi River, about 165 miles west of Chicago. The Quad Cities region has a population of approximately 450,000.
Augustana offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in nearly 100 majors and related academic programs, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Our student body includes 25% first-generation college students, 24% Pell Grant recipients, 24% students of color, and 20% international students. Strengthening our inclusive and welcoming community is central to the college's mission and strategic plan.
We seek candidates who are committed to fostering academically challenging, inclusive, and high-impact learning environments that support and engage a diverse student body.
Job Description:
The Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy Department at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Mechanical Engineering beginning in February or August 2026.
Our new colleague will join a growing Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy program that includes Physics, Engineering-Physics, Teaching Physics, and a B.S. in General Engineering. The successful candidate will teach 24 credits per 10-month academic year (standard courses are 4 credits), mostly mechanical engineering and some courses in introductory physics. The candidate is encouraged to contribute specialty courses related to their sub-field (particularly those that may be interdisciplinary) as well as contribute to the general education program. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program appropriate for undergraduate involvement (or similar professional work outside of teaching that involves students, like engineering consulting). Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in service to the department and the Augustana College community.
The candidate will join an active, eight-member department with disciplinary interests in thermal fluids, environmental fluid dynamics, 3D printing and design, signal processing, quantum photonics, nuclear physics, planetary and stellar magnetic fields, observational astronomy, physics education, and planetarium directing. The department houses research spaces for environmental fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, nuclear physics, and quantum photonics. The department has a newly designed Maker Space with 3D printers, a laser cutter, a scanning electron microscope, a CNC mill, and a welding station. Instructional spaces include a newly renovated electronics lab, design lab, and studio physics teaching spaces. All faculty at Augustana are invited to engage in professional development and mentoring opportunities consistent with their needs throughout their appointment at the college. The department is committed to supporting candidates' professional development in research and teaching.
Requirements
Requirements:
- A doctorate in Mechanical Engineering by August 26, 2026. ABD candidates will also be considered
- Ability to teach introductory and advanced classes in mechanical engineering
- Ability to teach introductory courses in physics, including non-major students
- Development of a research program (or similar external collaboration) that includes undergraduate students
- Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration
Why Augustana?
At Augustana, you'll find a supportive and collegial environment where faculty thrive professionally and personally. Our small class sizes foster deep connections between faculty and students. You'll have access to resources and opportunities to pursue innovative research and impactful teaching.
Additional Information:
Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Application Instructions:
A complete application will include:
- A cover letter detailing interest in the position within a liberal arts college
- Curriculum vitae
- A copy of graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this stage)
- A statement of teaching philosophy
- A statement of research agenda
- Contact information for three references
Questions about the position may be directed to Nathan Frank at nathanfrank@augustana.edu.
Applications received by October 1, 2025, will receive priority consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled.
The budgeted compensation for this position ranges from $65,000 to $70,000 per year based upon minimum and preferred qualifications, education, experience, skills, and abilities. Actual placement within the range will depend upon experience, education, research, rank, and other relevant factors.
Augustana College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to its employees to ensure our team is well cared for. Benefits include:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Retirement plan including eligibility to receive up to 7% contribution from the College.
- Company sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits as use of college facilities including a wellness center, gym and recreation center.
- Tuition benefits for employees and their family members
You can learn more about our benefits program at our Benefits Website.
