The Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University is seeking applicants for multiple Assistant Professor faculty positions in the area of robotics and autonomous systems. Early career researchers doing innovative work in all areas of robotics and autonomous systems, including but not limited to experimental and field robotics, legged robotics, human-robot systems, distributed robotics, medical robotics, soft robotics, perception-based planning, learning for robotics and control, and other allied autonomy disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Current research areas in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science include robotics and autonomous systems, dynamics and controls, artificial intelligence and machine learning, aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, biomechanics and biomaterials, energy systems, and hard and soft matter and nanoscale materials. Information on the cutting edge, multidisciplinary research and teaching in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science can be found at https://mems.duke.edu/.

Duke University and the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science are strongly committed to advancing inclusive excellence throughout our research, teaching, and service activities. A diverse faculty – defined broadly as representing a wide range of identities, lived experiences, and perspectives – is a prerequisite for excellence and is essential to driving innovation within our scholarly community. To achieve these goals, it is essential that all members of the community feel valued and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community are expected to uphold these values, and we seek to hire faculty who are passionate about increasing the participation and success of individuals from all different backgrounds and communities.

Interested candidates should submit the following by December 1, 2023:

• cover letter (with contact information);

• curriculum vitae;

• research statement (no more than 3 pages) that includes a description of past research accomplishments, plans for future research, and their experience and approach to mentoring and supporting a diverse and inclusive research environment;

• teaching statement (no more than 3 pages) describing teaching philosophy, previous experiences, future plans for teaching, and experience and approach to fostering an inclusive learning and mentoring environment for their students; and

• list of three references who will provide letters on behalf of the candidate.

Applicants should have an earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.

Review of applications will begin immediately; applications received by December 1, 2023 will receive priority attention. All applications received past this date will be considered until the positions are filled.

Do you have questions about the search? We can help – please send questions via email to the search committee chair at michael.zavlanos@duke.edu.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.