Job Summary:The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Robotics.
We seek candidates with a vision to address societally impactful problems in any area(s) of Robotics, and to strengthen, broaden and deepen the research in the department. Particular interests include but are not limited to: manipulation; sensing and perception; robot control; robot structures, materials, dynamics, and actuators; AI and ML approaches to robotics. Both theoretical and applied research is of interest. Research in these areas is anticipated to lead to breakthroughs in applications such as: manipulation in complex tasks (e.g. material handling, agriculture, medicine); mobility in air, land, space, or unstructured environments; autonomous operation in challenging contexts; and human-robot cooperation.
The UW Mechanical Engineering Department is a leader in Robotics and Autonomous Systems research and education. We have a robust and growing group of faculty, world-class facilities, and ongoing plans to transform the curriculum to develop leaders in these emerging fields. Additional facilities for Robotics, Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems are planned in the new UW Engineering building, currently under construction.
The department welcomes candidates who transcend the traditional boundaries of Mechanical Engineering and can incorporate insights from Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines to holistically address high impact societal problems related to the areas described above. Candidates should articulate how their research will engage and attract Mechanical Engineering students from all backgrounds.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering advances the mission of the College of Engineering to foster a respectful, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:Teaching and developing inclusive undergraduate and graduate courses for a diverse student body in Mechanical Engineering, mentoring graduate students and supervising their research; developing and directing a successful, extramurally funded research program; participating in departmental and university faculty governance; and contributing to professional and public service.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:Required
PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field.
Qualifications:Candidates will have a 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 and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction.
Work Type:Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:Ongoing/Renewable
Anticipated Begin Date:AUGUST 18, 2025
Salary:Negotiable
ACADEMIC (9 months)
Additional Information:The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is rapidly expanding, with growing student enrollment and a dynamic wave of faculty hires, making it one of the university’s most vibrant and fast-evolving departments. The Department offers and fosters a transdisciplinary research and educational environment and provides the infrastructure to address grand technological challenges. Candidates who can contribute to these priorities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in these areas in their cover letter, research statement, and/or teaching statement.
Current research areas in the ME Department include energy systems and storage, electrochemical systems, and sustainability; robotics, sensing and autonomous systems; computer-aided engineering, data-driven approaches, AI/ML and design; engineering mechanics and aerospace engineering; cell mechanics, biomechanics and biorobotics; and advanced materials design and manufacturing. New research directions will continue to be launched and nurtured to facilitate creative solutions to transformative technical challenges.
The Department strives to create a culture of belonging for all members of our growing department.
How to Apply:Please apply directly to the website by clicking on “Apply Now”. Upload a SINGLE PDF document containing a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including a complete list of publications, and the names and contact information for three references. Applicants should include a maximum three-page research statement and a one-page teaching statement describing how the applicant’s research and teaching goals fit the solicitation described above. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.
The deadline for assuring full consideration is December 2, 2024. However, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled.
Employment will require an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. To be considered, applicants must upload a signed ‘Authorization to Release Information’ form as part of the application. The authorization form and a definition of ‘misconduct’ can be found here: https://hr.wisc.edu/institutional-reference-check/
Contact:Catherine Carter
clcarter2@wisc.edu
608-265-2155
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:Assistant Professor(FA040)
Department(s):A19-COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING/MECHANICAL ENGR
Employment Class:Faculty
Job Number:304217-FA
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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