The University of Washington (UW) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) in the College of Engineering (COE) invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty appointment at the As sistant Professor rank in Sustainable Infrastructure. This position is a 9-month service period, with an anticipated start date of September 16, 2026 . T he expected monthly salary range for this position is $11,000 to $13,250, corresponding to an annualized range of $99,000 to $119,250 over the 9-month academic year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
We are hiring in the broad research and teaching area of building sustainable infrastructure as described in our strategic plan as one of four G rand C hallenges (large societal issues that civil and environmental engineers are uniquely positioned to solve) .
General expectations . This position will be expected to create a nationally recognized extramurally funded research program ; provide innovative, high-quality teaching ; and engage in departmental, college and university service. Specifics follow .
Research expectations . We interpret the building sustainable infrastructure grand challenge broadly and believe many specific research domains can address it with a few examples being: energy infrastructure, construction means and methods, decarbonization, sustainable materials, sustainab le infrastructure metrics or policy , resilient infrastructure , and emerging areas in construction such as automation and the application of augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) . We do not favor any particular sustainable infrastructure research domain and are not limited to the examples above. Rather, we are open to many sustainable infrastructure research domains, and expect applicants to make a case for their proposed research domain in terms of how it (1) aligns with our strategic plan, (2) fit s with our existing people/efforts within the department/college/university, (3) can generate funding, and (4) can have high scholarly impact .
Teaching expectations . We have a broad interest in teaching domains, but this position will teach fundamental civil engineering courses in construction engineering and/or construction materials (CEE 307 and CEE 337 in the UW course catalog ). Beyond these topics, we are open to applicants teaching other course topics at the senior and graduate level that leverage their unique knowledge , skills , and connections .
Student/industry r elations and service expectations . We desire applicants that will engage with students on construction engineering career and project topics, and engage with industry so that they (1) remain current with industry happenings, and (2) can leverage these relationships for the benefit of students and our department. We want applicants to share ideas on how to accomplish these activities . Industry support of our department (endowed professorships , student scholarships, industry connection s) will accelerate these connections and provide fantastic access. We also e xpect applicants to actively contribute to departmental, college and university-wide service efforts. Applicants may also propose new service activities to bolster existing service opportunities at the UW.
About the UW and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department . T he University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
Our department offers a highly collegial and collaborative culture, with broad interdisciplinary research opportunities, and over 40 faculty members with a wide variety of research and teaching expertise .
Freqently Asked Questions
Seattle's tech and engineering hubs fuel a robust demand for assistant professors specializing in civil and environmental engineering. Candidates with sustainable infrastructure expertise often face strong competition due to the region's focus on innovation and sustainability, making standout research proposals crucial for success.
Prospective professors should account for Seattle’s traffic patterns and public transit options, especially during academic semesters. Proximity to UW Tacoma Keybank Professional Development Center offers benefits like reduced commute times, but familiarity with local transit can enhance daily convenience and work-life balance.
Assistant professors typically balance establishing a research agenda with delivering foundational courses, like construction engineering. Unlike senior roles, they focus more on innovative pedagogy and student mentorship, fostering growth in both undergraduate and graduate cohorts within sustainable infrastructure domains.
Many individuals transition toward tenure, leveraging funded research and interdisciplinary collaborations. Others expand into leadership roles such as department chairs or directors of research centers, especially when their work aligns with pressing societal infrastructure challenges and sustainability.
While a Ph.D. in civil or environmental engineering is fundamental, expertise in emerging fields like AR/VR applications in construction or decarbonization strategies can differentiate applicants. Active participation in funded research projects and demonstrating industry collaborations can also strengthen a profile.
The center’s focus on sustainable infrastructure coupled with its strategic industry connections offers assistant professors unparalleled opportunities for applied research and student engagement. The integration of augmented reality and automation research domains sets this role apart within traditional civil engineering faculties.
This institution actively fosters partnerships through endowed professorships and student scholarship programs, encouraging faculty to maintain real-world ties. Such support not only enhances research funding prospects but also enriches student experiences with current industry trends and projects.
The position offers a monthly salary between $11,000 and $13,250, translating to an annualized compensation of approximately $99,000 to $119,250 for the 9-month academic year. Salaries vary based on experience, qualifications, and research accomplishments within sustainable infrastructure.
Seattle’s competitive salaries for assistant professors reflect its high cost of living and robust funding environment, especially in engineering disciplines addressing sustainability. Compared to other regions, candidates may find enhanced grant availability and industry partnerships supporting innovative infrastructure research.
Some may assume the role centers solely on teaching, but it equally demands establishing a nationally recognized research program. Additionally, candidates might overlook the importance of engaging with industry and contributing to university service, both vital for career development in this tenure-track faculty role.
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