The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in autonomous experimentation and discovery.
We seek candidates with vision, passion and expertise in: (1) integrating experimentation (synthesizing/processing/manufacturing, sensing/characterization, control), modeling, and machine learning/artificial intelligence to develop autonomous research and discovery platforms; (2) using an autonomous research and discovery approach to advance knowledge generation and technology innovations orders of magnitude faster than is possible today. The focus is on accelerating the manufacturing, materials, and mechanical science discoveries and technology innovations than what is possible with the traditional approaches.
When appropriate to their research and teaching visions, candidates should complement existing expertise in additive manufacturing, material discovery, solid and fluid mechanics, energy systems, and biomedical fields.
For those whose research focuses more on digital twins, please apply to the "AI/ML Defining and Illustrating the Utility of Digital Twins" position #304210.
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.
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 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, 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 also 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/
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
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).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
Work with purpose, make an impact, and grow your career. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to equity, inclusion and employee well-being as we proudly work to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond.
Join a world-class educational and research institution, located in one of America's best places to live and work. The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary since its founding in 1848. As a public land-grant university and prolific research institution, our guiding principle is the Wisconsin Idea, a long-standing commitment to conducting outreach that contributes to a better future for our state, our nation, and the world.
In a survey of working Americans conducted by Forbes, UW?Madison ranked among the top 100 America’s Best Large Employers in 2022. Our location in Madison, Wisconsin, is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the United States. A variety of independent rankings place Madison among the best U.S. cities for livability, work-life balance, fitness, opportunities for women, best places to raise children, and other measures. We were also named one of the Best Universities for Commuters in 2021....
More than 24,000 faculty and staff work at our schools, colleges, and administrative units. Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation at UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
