The Duke University Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials
Science in the Pratt School of Engineering 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 diJerent backgrounds and communities. Please note that Duke
specifically seeks information about past misconduct or policy violations and/or relevant
pending investigations as part of the application process. Disclosures will not be an
automatic bar to hiring but, instead, will initiate further dialogue regarding past actions.
Interested candidates should submit the following by December 1, 2024 in the Academic
Jobs Online portal: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28672:
• 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 description of past
experiences demonstrating your commitment to a diverse and inclusive research
environment;
• teaching and mentoring statement (no more than 3 pages) describing teaching
philosophy, previous experiences, future plans for teaching, and description of past
experiences promoting and supporting diversity, including the fostering of an
inclusive learning and mentoring environment for diverse students; and
• list of three to five references who will provide letters on behalf of the candidate;
note, letters will not be requested until after the first round of application
evaluations.
Applicants should have an earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
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.
