Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics)

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

34d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position specializing in Robotics, Automation, Autonomous Systems, and embodied Artificial Intelligence. The department is looking for individuals with a strong vision to tackle significant societal challenges within these fields, aiming to enhance and expand the department's research capabilities. Areas of interest include robot control, modeling, sensing, perception, decision-making, manipulation, physical interaction, robotic structures, materials, dynamics, and actuations. Research incorporating Real-to-Sim-to-Real, machine learning, and AI approaches to robotics is also encouraged. While both theoretical and applied research are valued, a clear plan for translating research into practical applications within Mechanical Engineering is particularly desired. Potential applications include autonomous operations in challenging environments (e.g., medical robotics, aerospace, extraterrestrial exploration), automation to accelerate scientific discovery, manipulation in complex tasks (e.g., material handling, agriculture, manufacturing), mobility in unstructured environments, human-robot cooperation, and space robotics. The department is a leader in Robotics and Autonomous Systems research and education, boasting world-class facilities and ongoing curriculum enhancements. New hires may also contribute to the growing Aerospace Engineering program. The department encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Materials Engineering to address high-impact societal problems. Candidates are expected to articulate how their research will attract and engage Mechanical Engineering students from diverse backgrounds. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment and is rapidly expanding with a dynamic faculty and growing student enrollment, making it a vibrant and evolving department. It offers a transdisciplinary research and educational environment with the infrastructure to address grand technological challenges and strives to create a culture of belonging. Candidates who can contribute to these priorities are encouraged to highlight their strengths and experiences.

Requirements

• Demonstrated record of academic achievement such as peer-reviewed publications and grant awards appropriate for the early career.
• Exceptional potential in establishing a world-class research program.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction.
• PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and developing inclusive undergraduate and graduate courses for a diverse student body in the Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics degree programs.
• Mentoring graduate students and supervising their research.
• Developing and directing a successful, extramurally funded research program.
• Participating in departmental and university faculty governance.
• Contributing to professional and public service.

What This Job Offers

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