ME is a vibrant, collegial, research-active department with 16 tenure-track faculty, 4 instructional faculty, over 400 undergraduate students, 64 graduate students, and a diverse team of postdoctoral researchers, professional, instructional, and administrative staff. ME has an established global reputation for research innovation in marine science and engineering, with a 70-year history of Navy-supported research.  A successful candidate will complement and expand upon this research strength.

This position is a strategic hire in the College of Engineering, aiming to enhance our strengths in marine science and engineering.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree in mechanical or naval engineering, naval architecture, or a related discipline. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in fluid dynamics and/or marine hydrodynamics, with research interests broadly related to autonomous marine systems. Candidates with complementary research interests in the areas of modeling and control of marine vehicles, autonomous systems, design methodologies for marine systems, and other interdisciplinary and emerging application areas are especially encouraged to apply.

This is an open-rank position.

We understand the link between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and excellence in education, and embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture so that all community members are able to realize their full potential. 

Faculty members in the College of Engineering contribute to DEI by designing curricula, research programs, and engagement opportunities that advance our understanding of DEI and emphasize the value of global citizenship. As part of the application, applicants are asked to describe their past, current and planned future efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in alignment with the University of Iowa’s mission and values in the areas of teaching, research, mentoring, broader impacts, or other professional service. 

• Ph.D. degree in mechanical or naval engineering, naval architecture, or a related discipline. 
• Ability to teach and develop courses and mentor students in the Mechanical Engineering program.
• Potential to attract extramural funding and establish a research program that will contribute to the advancement of marine science & technology.
• Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are particularly interested in applicants who will actively foster a climate that values and engages diversity in all its forms as aligned with the DEI goals of the department and college.

• A successful candidate will leverage Iowa’s research facilities and complement current strengths, with training in fluid mechanics and/or marine hydrodynamics.
• Research interest and expertise one or more complementary areas including, but not limited to:   
  • Robotics and mechatronics
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Control theory
  • Machine learning and AI
  • Data science
  • Distributed and smart sensor networks
  • Experimental measurements
  • Digital design
  • Multibody dynamics
  • Structural dynamics
  • Computational Science & Engineering
• Ability to teach and develop courses on marine science & technology.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse groups of students.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaborations .
• Experience acquiring research funding.
• Evidence of a commitment to maintain respectful, team-oriented working relationships.

Applicants will be asked to include the following components in their application:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position;
• A current CV;
• Name and contact information for three references;
• A representative research publication; and
• Three equally important supporting statements:
  • Commitment to DEI Statement: Describe your past, current, and/or future contributions to DEI, and how your research, teaching, mentoring and/or professional service activities have (or will) advance DEI and promote social justice.
  • Teaching Statement: Explain your teaching philosophy, and a plan for maintaining continuous improvement in teaching and mentoring.
  • Research Statement:  Explain your research philosophy, and present your plan for establishing and maintaining a recognized and well-funded research program. 

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual.

Further inquiries regarding this position can be sent to the attention of Prof. James Buchholz and Prof. Fred Stern, Search Committee Chairs via: engr-hr@uiowa.edu