Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

University of Colorado

United States

Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)
Requisition Number: 67657
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty (Full-Time)
Anticipated Start: Fall 2026 (negotiable)
Date Posted: 7 October 2025

Job Summary

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Quantum Engineering, primarily expected at the Assistant Professor level; exceptional candidates may be appointed at the Associate Professor or Professor ranks.

Candidates with expertise in the broad area of Quantum Engineering are encouraged to apply. Priority research areas include:

Photonic/Phononic/Microwave Quantum Systems
(optomechanics, resonators, nanophotonics, microwaves, cryogenics)
Quantum Sensing
(frequency combs, molecular sensors, Rydberg/NV sensors, inertial sensors, magnetometry)
Quantum Materials
(novel quantum materials, materials characterization, quantum fluids)

The successful candidate will:

Align with the research and teaching mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
Join the Quantum Engineering Initiative of the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS)
Benefit from CU Boulder’s extensive quantum ecosystem including JILA, NIST, a new CU quantum incubator, the NSF Quantum Nanofab, and the Elevate Quantum technology hub

CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Us

University of Colorado Boulder

Colorado’s flagship public institution
Among the most research-active U.S. public universities
CEAS: 250 tenure-track, 120 instructional-track, 30 research-track faculty
Over 8,000 students (undergraduate, master's, PhD)
Core values: Research & Innovation, Education, Inclusion

Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering

An innovative, collaborative department engaging students in rigorous fundamentals and applied, team-based projects. Faculty research addresses challenges in:

Environment
Security
Human health

Strong ties to Colorado’s quantum ecosystem including:

NIST
JILA
CU Quantum Incubator
NSF Quantum Nanofab ($20M)
Elevate Quantum ($40M EDA tech hub)

Key Responsibilities

Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
Develop an externally funded research program
Provide leadership and service in the department, college, and professional community
Contribute to an inclusive and supportive academic environment

Workload distribution:

40% teaching
40% research
20% leadership & service

What You Should Know

Start date: Fall 2026 (negotiable)
Reference check program applies to all final candidates for tenured positions (related to conduct, harassment, discrimination)
Candidates must authorize release of information during the hiring process

Salary & Benefits

Assistant Professor:

$115,000 – $128,000 (academic year)

Associate Professor:

$128,000 – $160,000

Professor:

$160,000 – $220,000

Additional offerings:

Relocation stipend (as per CEAS guidelines)
Paid parental leave
Housing down-payment assistance
Dual-career support
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefits, and ECO Pass

Required Qualifications

Research doctorate in engineering, physical sciences, or related field (must be conferred before appointment)
For senior ranks: Established record of research excellence, funding success, publication impact, and high-quality teaching/mentoring

What You Will Need

Ability to develop a funded research program
Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate Mechanical Engineering courses
Demonstrated commitment to advancing an inclusive academic community

Preferred Qualifications

Industry and/or entrepreneurial experience
Strong connections to Colorado’s quantum ecosystem

Application Instructions

Submit the following materials as individual PDF files:

Cover Letter (1 page)
CV
Statement of Research Philosophy (2–3 pages)
Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2–3 pages)
Leadership, Service, and Community Contributions Statement (1–2 pages)
References: Provide names and contact information for at least three referees
(letters will be requested later)