General Summary of Position:
The Francis College of Engineering (FCOE) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE). The position is anticipated to start in September 2026. We are seeking outstanding candidates with expertise in robotics, controls, automation, or related fields that complement and enhance the department’s current research. Candidates whose work in machine learning complements or enhances these research areas are also encouraged to apply.
A strong emphasis will be placed on the originality and potential impact of the candidate’s work rather than their specific subfield. The successful candidate should aim to establish an externally funded and internationally recognized research program, teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the department’s mission through service and promotion of inclusive excellence. Our faculty are teacher-scholars who integrate their teaching, mentoring, and research to create dynamic learning environments for our students.
The MIE Department has over 30 faculty members and more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in both Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Energy Engineering, a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, and an M.S. in Engineering Management. The department encourages collaborative research and maintains strong connections with regional and national industries, national laboratories, and interdisciplinary research centers.
UMass Lowell is a nationally recognized public research university that is experiencing rapid growth. The WSJ ranks UMass Lowell as Massachusetts' top public university and the best in the state for both “Best Value” and social mobility. We are a Carnegie R1 research university, and our students benefit from the UML Guarantee—every first-time, first-year student can participate in at least one paid, credit-bearing, or career-connected experience. Our inclusive campus has received the HEED Award six times, and UMass Lowell is the Commonwealth’s only AASHE STARS Platinum institution—one of only a few worldwide. Along with strong graduate outcomes, 95% of graduates find their next step within months. These awards reflect a culture that combines research excellence with a focus on student success.
Within the FCOE, faculty are part of an ABET-accredited, industry-engaged community that includes biomedical, chemical, civil, environmental, electrical, plastics, mechanical, and computer engineering. Our college has over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with 20 percent identifying as female and 25 percent as underrepresented minorities in engineering. Collaboration is central to our research environment: the NERVE Center advances robotics and human–robot interaction; the Fabric Discovery Center connects advanced textiles to health and defense; the Raytheon–UMass Lowell Research Institute (RURI) and Printed Electronics Research Collaborative (PERC) drive the development of next-generation electronics; and our campus-wide Core Research Facilities offer open access to more than 100 instruments and expert staff. Hands-on spaces, such as the Lin MakerSpace, and entrepreneurship programs, like DifferenceMaker, foster discovery and real-world impact. At the core, we are a university committed to student success and development.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain a high-quality, externally funded research program with national or international visibility.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in robotics, controls, automation, computational thinking, or core mechanical/industrial engineering subjects.
- Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, including Ph.D. students.
- Engage in departmental, college, and university service, and contribute to professional organizations.
- Collaborate across disciplines and engage with industry, government, or community partners when appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
- Evidence of potential for scholarly excellence and a sustainable, externally funded research agenda in robotics, controls, automation, ML, or related areas.
- Demonstrated commitment and potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- The ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Record of (or strong potential for) securing competitive external funding.
- Evidence of effective teaching or curriculum development.
- Interest in developing interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, computing, and applied sciences.
- Experience working with diverse student populations and employing inclusive pedagogical approaches.
- Engagement in professional service.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This is a full-time, benefited Massachusetts Society of Professors/MTA/NEA union position. Anticipated salary range of $75,000 - $127,000 based on Asst. Prof. rank and qualifications.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
Please include the following required documents with your application:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter
- Statement of research experience, accomplishments and interests (maximum of five pages) (uploaded as a single file).
- Statement of teaching interests and philosophy (maximum of two pages) (uploaded as a single file).
- Inclusivity statement (one page)
- Up to three representative publications (uploaded as a single file)
- Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process (please do not send recommendation letters).