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Job Profile:

Job Summary:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position in Robotics, Automation, Autonomous Systems, and embodied Artificial Intelligence <https://engineering.wisc.edu/research/moonshots/>.

We seek candidates with a vision to address societally impactful problems in any area(s) of robotics, automation, autonomous systems, and embodied AI and to strengthen, broaden and deepen the research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Interests include but are not limited to: control of robots and autonomous systems; modeling, sensing, perception, and decision making; manipulation and physical interaction; robotic structures, materials, dynamics, and actuations. In addition, research in related areas including Real-to-Sim-to-Real, machine learning, and artificial intelligence approaches to robotics, automation, and autonomous systems are of interest.

While both theoretical and applied research is of interest, we are particularly interested in candidates that can articulate a clear vision of how their research will translate from research to practice in the broad context of Mechanical Engineering applications. Research in these areas is anticipated to lead to breakthroughs in applications such as: autonomous operation in challenging contexts (e.g. autonomous experimentation, medical robotics, human environments, aerospace, extraterrestrial exploration); automation and autonomous systems that can accelerate manufacturing, materials, and mechanical science discoveries and technology innovations beyond what is possible with conventional approaches; manipulation in complex tasks (e.g. material handling, agriculture/farming, medicine, manufacturing, construction, exploration); mobility in unstructured environments in air, land, sea, and space; human-robot physical cooperation; and space robotics.

The UW Mechanical Engineering Department is a leader in Robotics and Autonomous Systems research and education. We have world-class facilities, and ongoing transformations to the curriculum to educate thought leaders in these emerging fields.

Additional facilities for Robotics, Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems are included in the new UW Engineering building, currently under construction. Where appropriate, new hires may also contribute to the new and growing Aerospace Engineering program.

The department welcomes candidates who transcend the traditional boundaries of Mechanical Engineering and can incorporate insights from Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Engineering 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 and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

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. The Department also strives to create a culture of belonging for all members of our growing department. 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 aerospace, energy systems and storage, electrochemical systems, and sustainability; robotics, bio robotics, sensing and autonomous systems; computer-aided engineering, data-driven approaches, AI/ML and design; fluid and solid mechanics; renewable energy, aerodynamics, extreme mechanics, biomechanics; and advanced materials design and manufacturing. New research directions will continue to be launched and nurtured to facilitate creative solutions to transformative technical challenges.

Key Job 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; and contributing to professional and public service.

Department:

College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Compensation:

Negotiable – 9 months / ongoing / renewable

Required 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.

Education:

Require a PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field.

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. Applicants should also provide names and contact information for three references. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring. The deadline for assuring full consideration is December 7, 2026. However, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled.

Contact Information:

Lauren Biggs

Mechanical Engineering

[email protected]

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.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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 by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including 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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