Description
The Hampton University School of Engineering Architecture and Aviation invites nominations and applications for highly qualified candidates for a tenure-track position in the area of mechanical engineering to serve as Chairperson of the newly created Department of Mechanical Engineering position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor beginning in August 2026. Please note that tenure-track positions are offered at the discretion of the University conditional upon expertise, credentials, and qualifications of the successful candidate(s).
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading historically black university (HBCU) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, non-sectarian institution of higher learning with accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia. The School of Engineering Architecture and Aviation includes the Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Architecture, and Department of Aviation. The programs are ABET, NAAB, and AABI accredited. And now the department of Mechanical Engineering.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is offering a new B.S. degree in mechanical engineering starting Fall 2026. The new program will have three tracks: traditional, robotics, and materials. Focus will be hands on problem based learning that includes heavily use of computer tools and within the course structure themselves instruction on using AI and Machine Learning to solve and assist in engineering problems from design, logistics, identification etc.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to lead the department’s efforts to support Hampton University’s transformation from its current Carnegie Foundation classification to a research-intensive university. Accordingly, the candidate will be expected to inspire and lead the department’s faculty in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service; to review and update the curriculum; to write proposals for external funding; to schedule classes and advise students; to evaluate faculty; to ensure the effective operation of the department; to respond to University directives; to monitor the quality of instruction of the department; to maintain program accreditation; and to carry out other duties that may be assigned.
The candidate is expected to develop and lead independent research programs of international prominence and teach undergraduate courses mechanical engineering and the fundamentals of engineering curricula, collaborate on various research initiatives (including some of an interdepartmental nature).
The candidate will be expected to work with the Dean, the Assistant Dean, and/or other faculty members to develop and submit proposals to funding agencies for support of educational programs and research. The Chairperson must initiate and support national and international collaborations that are essential to the growth of the department, as well as assist the Dean and Assistant Dean with management and administrative functions.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, leadership and research. The successful candidates’ expertise is expected to complement engineering school strengths in materials and robotics.
Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate previous teaching experience at the university level.
The successful candidate(s) will possess the following skills and abilities:
- High level of energy and initiative,
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills,
- Written record of securing external funding, and
- Proven ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
The Chairperson of the department serves as both an administrator and faculty member, and is expected to provide effective leadership in both roles. Although not required, candidates who have had previous experience in college administration are preferred. He/she must value diversity, especially as it pertains to the merits of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with rank/experience. Interested candidates should submit their letter of interest, curriculum vitae, personal contact information, and a list of three professional references (names and addresses) electronically (preferred) to joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.edu, or to the following address via regular mail:
Joyce Shirazi, D.Sc., P.E.
Dean, School of Engineering Architecture and Aviation
Hampton University
Hampton, VA 23668
Email: joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.edu