Faculty Position in Mechanical Engineering

Focus Area: Robotics and Control

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (www.me.udel.edu) at the University of Delaware (UD) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in the field of robotics and control. The position is expected to create new research synergies between robotics and control, and applications to advanced manufacturing, smart cities and communities, urban air mobility, health sciences, precision agriculture, coastal engineering, marine science and oceanography. We are looking for research expertise that expands our existing group’s research portfolio, or dovetails with existing initiatives in humanoid robots, nonlinear control and cyberphysical systems, networked robotic systems, mobile manipulation, AI, marine robotics, and human/machine interface and interaction. The position will also be part of the multi-disciplinary team of faculty involved in the Center for Autonomous and Robotic Systems (CARS) and supporting the Master of Science in Robotics (MSR), which is a unique and rapidly growing graduate program that builds on some of the unique strengths, resources, and expertise that can be identified across the University of Delaware. We seek ambitious, creative, and innovative individuals with interdisciplinary collaborative spirit and vision who have demonstrated excellence in research and have the drive to become leaders in their fields while maintaining high-quality teaching and mentoring activity.

The department consists of 32 full-time faculty members actively engaged in the core research areas of biomechanics, clean energy and environment, composites and advanced materials, nanotechnology, and robotics and controls; research expenditures for FY 2022 were over $6 million. In addition to hosting the Center for Fuel Cells and Batteries, Center for Biomechanical Engineering Research, Sociotechnical Systems Center  and Center for Autonomous and Robotic Systems, the department has strong ties with several strategic campus-wide institutions such as the Center for Composite Materials, the Center for Research in Wind, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, the Delaware Environmental Institute, and the Delaware Energy Institute. Campus-wide initiatives in advanced manufacturing include the establishment of two National Networks for Manufacturing Innovation (NIIMBL and RAPID) as well as other interdisciplinary centers and institutes involved with manufacturing science.

The University of Delaware (www.udel.edu) combines a rich historic legacy in engineering with a commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The undergraduate program (over 600 students enrolled) places a strong emphasis on real-world design and research. The graduate program (148 students enrolled) emphasizes the creation and dissemination of new impactful knowledge. With external funding exceeding $200 million, the University ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering. The 194,000-square-foot Harker Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory includes shared laboratories for nanofabrication and advanced materials characterization and greatly expands opportunities for interdisciplinary research and education. The 272-acre STAR (Science, Technology and Advanced Research) campus offers even more opportunities for research, academic, and commercial development. The main campus in Newark, Delaware, provides the amenities of a vibrant college town with convenient access to the major cities of the East Coast.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a description of research interests, teaching experience and interests, and contact information for at least three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received before December 15, 2023. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and Title IX institution. UD recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds, and this is a primary goal for the department. We provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html