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Posted: 05-Oct-22
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 517632
Department/Organization
214271 - Mechanical Engineering
Rank
Assistant or Associate Professor
Position Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is recruiting multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Candidates with research interests across all domains relevant to mechanical engineering are encouraged to apply; however, candidates with expertise and research interests related to advanced manufacturing systems and clean and renewable energy are a particular focus of one or more of the positions in this search.
Appointments to the faculty of The University of Alabama are based on the personnel requirements of the University’s academic programs and on the goal of achieving and maintaining excellence in its teaching, research, and service/academic citizenship activities.
Detailed Position Information
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama (http://me.eng.ua.edu) invites qualified candidates to apply for multiple tenure-track faculty positions. Candidates with expertise and research interests in the full range of areas and topics representative of the field of mechanical engineering and its closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Candidates with expertise and research interests related to advanced manufacturing systems and clean and renewable energy are of particular interest for one or more of the open positions. Under the advanced manufacturing systems track, particular attention will be given to candidates with research interests in additive manufacturing, robotic and automated manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality and connectivity applied to advanced manufacturing systems. Under the clean and renewable energy track, particular attention will be given to candidates with expertise in cyber-physical energy systems, sustainable, renewable and building energy, and energy in manufacturing and carbon management. The Department has established strong track records and strengths in these areas as evident by the fast rise in the number of faculty with research focus in these fields, significant increases in the amount of externally-funded research related to these areas, and growing collaborations with major industrial companies in these areas.
Female candidates and candidates from other under-represented groups within engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with industrial experience are also encouraged to apply.
Candidates seeking appointment at the level of Assistant Professor are expected to perform effective teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to establish an independent, extramurally funded, high impact research program, and candidates should address these issue within their statements of research and teaching interests. Where appropriate, candidates should also discuss how they may effectively collaborate with others across the department, college, and/or university. For candidates seeking consideration at the Associate Professor level, applicants must demonstrate strong records in both teaching and research, and in particular candidates must have a record that demonstrates high scholarly productivity and impact (e.g. publication and citation records), external research funding, and an ability to mentor and educate Ph.D. students.
The departmental has more than 1,400 undergraduate students and approximately 180 graduate students in its M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The present faculty size of 37 is expected to significantly grow over the next several years through this search and other planned faculty searches in the next several years. While the ME Department has faculty expertise spanning a wide breadth of modern mechanical engineering, a large portion of the faculty is comprised within three main groups: Thermofluids Science, Dynamic Systems and Control, and Materials Processing and Manufacturing. In addition to those three broad categories, the department maintains a number of more focused research clusters and state-of-the-art laboratories in a variety of areas including internal combustion engines, advanced manufacturing, human-machine interaction and soft robotics, additive manufacturing, nanomechanical characterization, bio-inspired nanocomposite, and automotive engineering, just to name a few. With total annual sponsored program awards of over $11 million, the Department is home to several federally and/or state-funded centers. The Mechanical Engineering Department is one of the seven departments in the University of Alabama’s fully accredited College of Engineering.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited institution, along with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Applicants must have conducted prior research work and produced scholarly publications in refereed and other professional journals. Applicants must also show the potential to establish an independent quality research program, collaborate effectively with other faculty, and excel in teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Applicants must meet all university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.
Preferred Qualifications
• Industrial experience is desirable and collaboration with other departments in the College of Engineering is expected.
• Have a demonstrated record of high quality research and scholarly publications that is recognized nationally.
• Significant record of scholarship in a department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience working in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Post-doctoral experience or other similar post-graduate experience for candidates applying for a position as an Assistant Professor.
• For those candidates applying for Associate Professor, a strong record in external funding, publication, and a PhD graduation rate commensurate with this level of appointment.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Application packages must be submitted electronically and should consist of a cover letter which includes the rank for which the candidate is applying and a statement about the primary area(s) of research interest for the candidate, a detailed CV, statements of research and teaching interests, and contact information for at least four references. Applications will be accepted and reviewed continuously until the positions are filled. The expected start date of these positions will be August 2023, though other dates are possible as appropriate.
Inquiries about the position or additional information should be addressed to me-search@ua.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.
About the College of Engineering
As one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama has more than 175 years of engineering education experience. UA’s College of Engineering is committed to conducting leading-edge research, providing unparalleled educational opportunities and investing in students who will be the scholars and industry professionals shaping the future of the field of engineering.
Research is a critical component of our mission as the flagship university in the state of Alabama. Over the past decade, the College’s research activity has more than doubled, and the Shelby Science and Engineering Quad was completed at a cost of more than $300 million. There are 10 research centers housed under the College, spanning areas from cybersecurity to transportation, that are dedicated to making sustainable changes and an impact on local, national and global levels.
With hundreds of award-winning faculty and staff members, and a diverse offering of nationally accredited programs, facilities and resources, the College has positioned itself for success as a leader in engineering education.
About The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
