Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering

Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position to be filled at the Assistant or Associate Professor level beginning September 1, 2027. Candidates are sought who develop and apply multimodal, in situ and operando X-ray characterization methods, including diffraction, spectroscopy, tomography, and coherent imaging; outstanding candidates advancing complementary electron-based characterization methods will also be considered. We seek researchers developing frontier methods to probe material structure and behavior across length and time scales under realistic operating conditions, with applications including human health, energy conversion and storage, and national security. Of particular interest are experimental programs that leverage advances in physics-informed artificial intelligence, scientific machine learning, autonomous control, or real-time feedback to guide experiments and enable the co-design of materials and processes. Strong interest in and evidence of collaboration with national laboratories and/or industry partners is also desirable. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out research, teaching, and service while building a vibrant research program that contributes to the department’s mission.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field by the time of appointment. Applicants must apply online and upload the following materials: cover letter; curriculum vita; research statement; teaching experience and mentoring statement; and three letters of recommendation. Further information is available here: Evaluation of applications will begin November 21, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.

The expected base pay range for this position at the Assistant Professor level is $133,000 – $143,000 and at the Associate Professor level is $145,000 – $158,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Sponsorship for an H-1B visa may be available for qualified candidates, subject to institutional policies and applicable immigration regulations.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal competitors; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.