Visiting Assistant Professor

Worcester Polytechnic Institute•Worcester, MA

3d•$105,000 - $108,000•Onsite

About The Position

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department seeks a short-term, non-tenure-track Visiting Assistant Professor specializing in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Mechatronics and Controls. The successful candidate will have a strong background in Mechatronics and Controls and proficiency applying AI techniques to these areas. Essential expertise includes intelligent sensing and perception, cyber-physical systems, data-driven modeling and control, and AI/deep learning. Potential application areas include autonomous systems and mobility, intelligent infrastructure, human–robot interaction, smart health, advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0/5.0, and mechatronics for sustainability, as well as other areas complementary to the department’s strengths. The candidate is expected to develop an active externally funded research program and teach undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses. The department has 27 dual-mission faculty, 9 full-time teaching faculty, and 12 research faculty. It serves more than 1,100 undergraduate mechanical engineering students and about 200 graduate students across mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Its annual externally sponsored research expenditures have exceeded $16 million. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research interests, and a list of five professional references. The search remains open until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair Professor Zhu Mao. The salary range is $105,000–$108,000 per year, based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI describes its benefits package as including a robust retirement match, wellness perks, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, or another relevant discipline.
Strong background in Mechatronics and Controls.
Proficiency applying AI techniques to Mechatronics and Controls.
Expertise in intelligent sensing and perception, cyber-physical systems, data-driven modeling and control, and AI/deep learning.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to integrate multidisciplinary methodologies to solve complex challenges.
Research applications complementary to the department’s existing strengths, such as autonomous systems and mobility, intelligent infrastructure, human–robot interaction, smart health, advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0/5.0, or mechatronics for sustainability.