The Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with an anticipated start in Fall 2027. We are seeking candidates who can collaborate with faculty within our department and with other departments and centers across the campus and state (e.g., Idaho National Lab), and can utilize our interdisciplinary PhD programs in Engineering, Computing, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. All outstanding candidates will be considered, but preference will also be given to candidates with the following research areas:
The successful candidate is expected to maintain an externally funded research program, foster a collaborative learning environment using evidence-based practices, communicate effectively with colleagues and students, and collaborate with faculty and industry/community partners on interdisciplinary research initiatives. You will also contribute to the department’s growth through teaching, mentoring students, and participating in departmental, college, and/or university committees. Our department is committed to balancing the research and teaching commitments of junior faculty so that our new colleagues can establish a thriving research program.
Department overview:
Welcome to the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering within the College of Engineering at Boise State University, where innovation and impact drive our community of educators and learners. The College of Engineering (COEN) at Boise State is the largest engineering college in Idaho. With over 600 students, the Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering department is one of the largest of the six COEN departments and is affiliated with five separate transdisciplinary PhD programs. Our departmental values are centered on the development of people, a commitment to respect and belonging, acting with integrity, and building communities.
Our department offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the field of engineering. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, with hands-on design opportunities integrated throughout the curriculum. Our state-of-the-art fabrication facility, the Engineering Innovation Studio, provides students access to cutting-edge equipment and expert guidance. Faculty in our department lead groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines while fostering strong partnerships with colleagues, students, and the broader community.
Research expenditures in the department have tripled in the past five years to nearly $3 million annually, and MBE faculty have been successful in obtaining funding from a wide variety of agencies, including the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and National Institutes of Health. Current faculty include four NSF CAREER awardees, two NIH R01 awardees, three Golden Apple winners (University award for best instructor), and an ASEE national award winner for Outstanding Teaching.
Joining us means becoming part of an enthusiastic team of faculty and staff that fosters a culture of innovation, publishes groundbreaking research, and nurtures a collaborative environment. Together, we empower students to make a meaningful impact in the world of engineering.
About Boise State:
Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, research, and impact. Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho’s capital – a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We’re nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact.
Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop – a welcoming city with a thriving arts scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon. Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community.
Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.
Minimum qualifications:
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Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field
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Potential to develop a successful, independent research program
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Ability to work collaboratively
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred qualifications:
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Competency to instruct courses in at least one of the following areas is highly desired: System Modeling & Control, and Design.
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A track record of research and publications
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Experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses
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Experience in interdisciplinary research collaborations
Required application materials:
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A cover letter detailing the following:
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Your interest in this position
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Your research and teaching experience
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Detailed curriculum vitae
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Statement of Research Interests (3-page maximum, please detail your ongoing and future research plans)
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Statement of Teaching Philosophy (3-page maximum, please state the topics and courses - undergraduate and graduate, you are qualified to teach)
Closing Date:
Position will close to new applications on August 16, 2026.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Krishna Pakala (krishnapakala@boisestate.edu)
Salary and Benefits:
Salary ranges from $90,000 to $95,000 (9-month contract)
Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about faculty contract and work days is available here.
Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):