Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

College of Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (https://mae.osu.edu/) at The Ohio State University invites applications for the Ohio Eminent Scholar in Mechanical Systems/Howard D. Winbigler Chair, an endowed Tenure-Track Full Professor appointment in the broad area of mechanical sciences. The research area should complement the current research portfolio of the department (https://mae.osu.edu/research). This position will start as early as Autumn 2025. 

The Ohio Eminent Scholars (OES) Program was created by the Ohio General Assembly and is administered by the Ohio Board of Regents. Its goal is to enhance the national eminence of selected outstanding academic programs at Ohio universities by attracting nationally recognized scholars.  This position is unique in that it also an endowed chair position, making it the highest level of appointment for a tenured professor at The Ohio State University.  Ohio Eminent Scholars are members of the President and Provost Advisory Committee, and play a key role in setting strategies and directions for research in the university.

Position Overview

This is a tenure-track endowed chair position at the level of full professor.

Performance Objectives

The candidate is expected to help further our mission of creating and disseminating knowledge by leading a large interdisciplinary research effort, by fostering cross-fertilization with other disciplines, and by advancing the state-of- the-art knowledge in Mechanical Engineering and allied fields through novel and sustained research. The candidate is also expected to serve the public, academic, and industrial communities through consultation, collaborative efforts, dissemination of research results, entrepreneurship, participation in conferences of professional societies, and valuing different perspectives.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Doctorate (academic) or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Demonstrated scholarly accomplishments and national and international recognition in one or more areas related to mechanical sciences
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding from public and private sources to support large, multi-disciplinary research program
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and supervision at the graduate level, or in mentoring young scholars in other research settings, such as in national laboratories or industrial research laboratories;

Desired:

• Demonstrated leadership in research and innovation;
• Experience in teaching graduate and/or undergraduate level courses (for current academics);
• Demonstrated efforts in research, teaching and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State's Shared Values.
• Training in mentoring and teaching skills.
• Embrace development of open-minded exploration among learners
• A familiarity working with campus, national lab or industry administrators and leaders
• A track-record of, and strong commitment to, cultivating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment, including in faculty and staff development, hiring, and student recruitment

How to Apply

Visit: https://osujoblinks.com/unvn

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach documents in the Application Documents section. Please provide the required documents listed below.  Please be aware that you will not be able to save your application and go back to it. Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload each of the items listed above.

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1–2-page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume: Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.
• Attachment 4: Teaching and Mentoring Statement: A statement of your experience, approach, and philosophy regarding your teaching and mentoring.

See additional application material instructions

A list of three references upon request

For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Giorgio Rizzoni at rizzoni.1@osu.edu.

Application review:

Review of applications will begin by November 1, 2024.

Department Information

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. We are home to nearly 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 1900 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering. Our innovative and creative faculty adhere to the philosophy that true innovation depends upon the cooperation of academia, industry, and government working together to advance the goals of science and technology. Our students and faculty regularly collaborate with colleagues in other departments in the College of Engineering and with multiple other colleges across campus. Strong research relationships exist with the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, GE Aviation, Honda of America, and numerous other industrial partners. Department faculty have over $28 million in sponsored research expenditures in areas such as advanced transportation systems (automotive and aerospace), energy and environmental quality, materials and manufacturing, micro- and nanotechnology, nuclear energy, and bioengineering while providing leadership for the Center for Automotive Research, The NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center, the Aerospace Research Center, the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center, and the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.

The College of Engineering

Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The College of Engineering strives to be a national leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college engages in and leads significant efforts to increase diversity among the field's future leaders through the office of Community, Access, Retention, and Empowerment Office (CARE). The CARE office offers a variety of student-centric programming designed to increase self-efficacy and foster community and provide resources to support our faculty and staff. All faculty are expected to participate in, support, and/or lead these efforts and to contribute to the department's inclusive climate via their work in one of many ways, including but not limited to; teaching, service, mentoring and advising. For more information about CARE, visit https://engineering.osu.edu/CARE.

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring Program, and institutional memberships to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, and the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

Each day, Buckeyes across the state and around the world make a lasting impact.

The Ohio State University sets the stage for academic achievement and innovation. It's where friendships are forged, tradition is brought to life and a better global community is built. Our mission is as clear today as it was 150 years ago: to illuminate a pathway to education, research and health care that creates vibrant futures.  Faculty, staff, and students build the incomparable Buckeye spirit through collaboration, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our strength comes from our ability to bring out the best in people and learn from Buckeyes of all backgrounds, passions, and talents.

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University. 

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.