Assistant Professor

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA) at Washington State University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank in Pullman, WA. MME seeks to strengthen its capabilities in robotics and autonomous systems, with an emphasis on intelligent robotic systems designed to operate in complex, unstructured, and dynamic environments. The search is intentionally broad across robotics and autonomy. Relevant application domains include, but are not limited to, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, nuclear systems, underwater and marine robotics, infrastructure inspection, construction, disaster response, and other real-world and mission-critical applications. Candidates whose work can complement and create new collaborations with MME’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials, energy, nuclear engineering, and related areas are particularly encouraged. It is anticipated the successful candidate will begin their appointment on August 16, 2027.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field by the date of hire.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to building a world-class research program at WSU through publication of peer-reviewed research in leading journals and conferences, with potential to secure external research funding.
• Proven or potential for successful teaching and instruction.
• Demonstrated record of or potential for commitment to equitable and inclusive educational experiences and service in alignment with WSU’s land grant mission.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated record of accomplishments and potential to become an outstanding scholar and educator in robotics and autonomous systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in robotics and related areas, such as mechatronics, dynamics, controls, and robot dynamics.
• Demonstrated record or potential to become a national and international leader in robotics and autonomous systems, particularly in the development of intelligent robotic systems for real-world, unstructured, and dynamic environments.
• Strong commitment to building a robust, externally funded research program and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, including opportunities to connect robotics with MME strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials, energy, nuclear engineering, and related areas.

Responsibilities

• Establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program that advances the autonomy, intelligence, robustness, and reliability of next-generation robotic systems.
• Collaborate with current faculty to build interdisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and service.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in robotics and related areas, including mechatronics, system dynamics, control systems, introduction to robotics, robot dynamics, and other courses aligned with the department’s educational mission and the candidate’s expertise.

Benefits

• paid sick leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree