Adjunct Faculty Materials Science

Job Description

DEPARTMENT:  Academic Affairs: Faculty 

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2026-2027 

SALARY:   $8,000-$12,000 per semester                                    

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Provost

POSITION SUMMARY:

Olin College of Engineering is currently seeking adjunct Faculty (single semester or multi- semester/year contracts) starting Fall 2026. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. This position is well suited for those on sabbatical. We also highly encourage educators with industry or professional experience to apply.

Olin seeks educators in the broad area of materials science or chemistry with a primary responsibility of teaching foundational courses for engineering students. Typical courses in the Olin catalog are foundational and elective materials science and/or chemistry courses, as well as elective courses in areas such as mechanical engineering and sustainability. Please specify the topic areas or courses of interest in the application.

Olin’s mission is to transform engineering education toward a world in which engineering serves everyone. Olin defines engineering broadly, from understanding people and their needs, to design solutions which lead to creating new technologies and services that benefit people and society. We seek individuals who prioritize active learning and who are excited about whole-person education, committed to growing and learning, and dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and inclusion in undergraduate engineering education.

The in-person experience and collaboration across teams are key to building a strong and dynamic community for students, faculty, and staff. Faculty are expected to be present on campus when classes are in session, and all paid work must be conducted within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where Olin is registered to do business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high-quality, student-centered instruction through classroom and lab-based teaching.
• Ensure a teaching load that meets institutional expectations, including average class sizes and course enrollments, while maintaining flexibility based on other responsibilities.
• Create opportunities for students to develop self-directed learning skills through lab-based exploration, project-based learning, and independent research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Terminal degree in a relevant field by the time of appointment, accompanied by a proven track record of scholarly and professional achievement.
• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate courses, with a strong commitment to creating inclusive classrooms and fostering student engagement.
• Ability to explore new teaching methods, take thoughtful risks, and collaborate across disciplines to enhance the academic experience.
• Commitment to equity, access, and inclusion, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with and support diverse populations.

Applications must include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that clearly outlines:

• The courses you are prepared and qualified to teach, and those you are most interested in teaching.
• Your experience, background, and demonstrated preparation for teaching and developing students.

Company Description

Olin College of Engineering seeks employees who are passionate about working collaboratively within and outside of the Olin community to support the College’s mission and vision for the future. At Olin, we are educating the next generation of engineering innovators and shifting the definition of engineering. Not only do our students ask, “Who are we designing this for, and what are their values?” They also ask questions about the impact of their work on society.

As Olin evolves under new leadership, we seek to become a more representative and aware community, a place where everyone is a learner and where everyone is an educator.  Olin will become a place where experimentation—including making and learning from mistakes—will be embraced across the institution, not just in the classroom. Collaboration is key to Olin’s curriculum and culture, and we will work intentionally to reinforce the values and culture to which we aspire. We are a community that thrives on being together; we value trust. The College supports teams to collaboratively decide how they can best do their work, and display a commitment to the community, all while providing individuals with overall work-life flexibility.

Olin College is situated on 75 acres in Needham, Massachusetts. We are approximately ten miles from Boston, one mile from the MBTA Commuter Rail train station, and approximately four miles from the Woodland Station from the MBTA Green Line. We have plenty of free parking on campus. You can find more details on our Visiting Campus page.

• Take a Virtual Campus Tour: From the moment you step on campus at Olin, you feel a buzz of energy and activity—and once you experience it, you want to be a part of it.

Olin College is committed to supporting an innovative, integrated learning and working environment. As a small campus, the in-person experience and cross-team collaboration is what helps build a strong, dynamic community for our students, faculty and staff. Typically, most roles at Olin College are intended to be in-person and on-campus. Certain paid positions may be eligible for flexible working arrangements, at the College’s sole discretion. Any approved remote work arrangement for pay must be performed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where Olin is registered to do business. Individual flexible and remote work options can be discussed during the interview process. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

At Olin College we seek to become a more representative and aware community. If you’re excited about a role and have relevant experience, but your work history doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we'd nevertheless encourage you to apply.

Olin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from candidates belonging to groups that have historically been underrepresented in higher education, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities. Employees of the College who have a disability are welcome to request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at HR@olin.edu.