Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Plastics Engineering

UMass Lowell•Lowell, MA

About The Position

The University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plastics Engineering, beginning in September 2027. The successful candidate will develop a strong, externally funded research program in advanced design and manufacturing of polymeric materials, with machine learning and artificial intelligence tools for product and machine design and for manufacturing-process optimization and automation. Research interests may include AI-powered and generative design of polymeric materials, composites, products, machines, or molds; design for circularity; smart manufacturing; and advanced manufacturing processes. The position includes advising undergraduate and graduate students, teaching Plastics Engineering courses at both levels, and service to the Department, University, and profession. Expected teaching areas include polymer design and processing, such as Product and Process Mold Design, Mold Engineering, Plastics Process Engineering, and Processing Theories. The Department values interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, innovation, and student success, and supports collaboration with university researchers, national laboratories, industry, and other academic institutions. UMass Lowell is an R1 research university in Massachusetts’ high-tech corridor, 25 miles northwest of Boston. It has more than 17,000 students and reports over $120 million in sponsored research annually.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in Plastics, Polymer, Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related area, by the time of appointment.
Outstanding research record in the candidate’s area or areas of expertise.
Strong communication skills.
Commitment to excellence in teaching.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Nice To Haves

Publications demonstrating potential for success as a researcher.
Teaching experience.
Experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
Industrial experience.
A record of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

Build a strong, externally funded research program in advanced design and manufacturing of polymeric materials.
Develop and implement machine learning and artificial intelligence tools for product and machine design and for optimization and automation of manufacturing processes.
Advise undergraduate and graduate students.
Teach Plastics Engineering courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses in polymer design and processing.
Participate in service to the Department, University, and profession.