Assistant / Associate Professor: AI Applications in Robotics

Colorado State Universitys Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track/tenured faculty position at the assistant or associate professor level in the area of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We seek candidates who will establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program that will advance either fundamental methods or promising applications in robotics.

We are interested in methodologies such as AI-driven design, autonomy, and control of robotic systems; model-based and data-driven control.

On the applications side, candidates may pursue research that connects these methods to high-impact domains such as robotic manipulation and locomotion; soft and bio-inspired robotics; medical, surgical, and wearable systems; space and field robotics; and advanced manufacturing and automation.

The listed areas are not exhaustive, and candidates pursuing other innovative directions in robotics and AI are also encouraged to apply.

Candidates whose work bridges multiple domains and creates opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration will be well aligned with the departments vision.

The successful candidate will contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching in Mechanical Engineering, especially the new Robotics and Automation Concentration, and will also participate in building interdisciplinary collaborations across the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering and with external partners.

The individual selected will be assigned one of two tenure-track faculty working titles based on qualifications and record of accomplishment.

Specifically, a selected individual with a PhD and limited postdoctoral or equivalent experience will be appointed as Assistant Professor.

A selected individual with a PhD who has more than 5 years of independent, post-PhD professional experience beyond the postdoctoral stage, with evidence of an established research program, effective teaching, and professional service, may be appointed as Associate Professor.

This faculty position is a full-time, nine-month appointment.

Candidates applying at the Associate Professor level must demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments, including success in securing competitive external funding, mentoring graduate students, and contributing to high-impact scholarship.

In addition, they should articulate a clear and compelling vision for how their research program will accelerate CSUs leadership in robotics research, expand interdisciplinary collaborations, and enhance the national and international reputation of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

We seek individuals who are enthusiastic about developing and sustaining a robust, externally funded research program while contributing to the departments educational mission and engaging in service to the University and broader community.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach and mentor at all levels, from undergraduate students to PhD candidates, while cultivating advanced courses that reflect their expertise.

As an integral member of our faculty, they will help shape the future of robotics and AI in mechanical engineering through innovative research, teaching, and mentorship.

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Required Job Qualifications

PhD degree or equivalent degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Demonstrated research expertise and scholarly contributions in areas relevant to robotics and AI, as outlined in the position summary.

Potential to teach and develop courses in robotics, automation, and related areas at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

For Assistant Professor candidates:
Evidence of potential for research success.

For Associate Professor candidates:Demonstrated effectiveness in establishing an internationally recognized research program, including a sustained record of publications, external funding, and graduate student mentoring.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Record of scholarly achievement commensurate with career stage, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications.

Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain a robust, externally funded research program.

Evidence of, or potential for, teaching effectiveness in higher education, commensurate with career stage.

Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as design, control, autonomy, or related fields.