Assistant Professor | Mechanical and Materials Engineering - Soft Materials

Worcester Polytechnic Institute•Worcester, MA

1d•$105,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in the area of Soft Materials available at the assistant professor level. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in soft materials and demonstrate excellence in research and teaching related to the design, processing, characterization, and application of soft matter systems. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to, polymers, elastomers, gels, colloids, biomaterials, functional soft materials, stimuli-responsive materials, sustainable materials, soft composites, materials for energy and environmental applications, and advanced characterization and modeling of soft matter. Research that integrates materials design with emerging approaches such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data-driven materials discovery, advanced manufacturing, or multiscale modeling is particularly welcome. Applications may span areas such as healthcare and biomedical technologies, energy storage and conversion, sustainable materials and circular economy, soft robotics, wearable and flexible electronics, advanced manufacturing, and other areas complementary to the department's existing strengths. A demonstrated ability to develop innovative, multidisciplinary research programs addressing important societal challenges is highly desirable. The candidate will be expected to develop an active externally funded research program and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and related areas. Candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a closely related discipline. This position is expected to be filled at the Assistant Professor level. For experienced candidates, rank will be commensurate with experience.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a closely related discipline.
Strong background in soft materials.
Excellence in research and teaching related to the design, processing, characterization, and application of soft matter systems.

Nice To Haves

Research that integrates materials design with emerging approaches such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data-driven materials discovery, advanced manufacturing, or multiscale modeling.
Demonstrated ability to develop innovative, multidisciplinary research programs addressing important societal challenges.

Responsibilities

Develop an active externally funded research program.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and related areas.