Assistant Professor In Structural Engineering

Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering (CESE) at Santa Clara University (SCU), a Jesuit Catholic University located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, seeks a tenure-track faculty member at the assistant professor level in structural engineering with expertise in innovative materials, advanced structural modeling, and earthquake engineering to begin Fall 2026. SCU and CESE are committed to service for society's greater good; we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and/or service have prepared them to help fulfill our commitment, and whose professional or life experiences will enrich the department and who can serve as a role model to a diverse student population. All SCU faculty engage in teaching, research, and service.

The ideal candidate will express enthusiasm for teaching classes from sophomore engineering mechanics through graduate level structural analysis and design and for engaging students from diverse backgrounds. The candidate may be asked to teach undergraduate graphical communication and other courses depending on departmental needs. The successful candidate will be expected to develop her/his own scholarly research, including mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, with emphasis areas of structural engineering, performance-based design, and earthquake engineering. Developing an active research program at a level appropriate to Santa Clara's mission as an undergraduate focused university is an expectation of the position.

The School of Engineering is in the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation – a 300,000 square foot building that houses engineering and science departments, teaching facilities and laboratories. SCU involvement in humanitarian engineering includes the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship and the Frugal Innovation Hub, offering opportunities for engaging with the local community and global partners. SCU faculty often work with other researchers in our dynamic region, at neighboring educational institutions, governmental laboratories and agencies, non-profit institutions, and private companies.

We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, and community service has prepared them to contribute broadly to our mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, and cultivate the knowledge and commitment to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world.

Qualifications

An earned Ph.D. in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field by appointment start date A passion for excellence in teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and graduate levels. A demonstrated potential for research and scholarship that contributes to growth of the profession. A commitment to contributing to an academic culture that thrives on the engagement of diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities will include teaching lecture and laboratory classes in both structural mechanics and design, including performance-based, earthquake engineering, and other courses depending on departmental needs, and conducting original research in these areas. Service to the department, school, university, community, and profession is expected as appropriate.

Start date is anticipated to be September 1, 2026.

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025, and continue until a suitable applicant is found; priority will be given to applications received by December 15, 2025.

SCU Faculty are teaching-scholars who balance a commitment to quality teaching with active programs of research. A full-time teaching load is 7 courses over three 10- week quarters, with a 1-course reduction for research. Additional course reduction is envisioned for this position, reflecting the substantial expected time commitment toward developing and maintaining a thriving Sustainable Engineering initiative. Faculty receive scholarship support through sabbaticals and travel funds. Housing assistance is available.