Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics and Sensing II,) (RISE THRIVE)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to fill a tenure-track position at either assistant, associate or full professor with research focusing on sensing and assistance agents to promote independence and healthy aging. The population distribution of the United States and much of the world is growing older, and with longer life comes the challenge of maintaining health, independence, and a high quality of life over an extended period of time, termed the health span. While many aspects of decline and disability may be preventable, not all are. These remaining needs may be assuaged by new technologies to support awareness, decision making, home safety, health monitoring, physical function, and community participation. This position is part of the RISE-THRIVE initiative.

Technological advances in sensing, perception, and assistive technology along with a better understanding of the biomechanics of the aging human may contribute to these needs. Sensing of the body through wearable or home-installed systems can monitor physiological and functional state, and inform interventions to ensure sustained well-being. Sensor or network-derived awareness of the home or community environment may generate improved strategies for an individual to minimize risks such as fall hazards. Robotic assistance agents may help declutter home or work environments or provide assistance with hazardous tasks. Wearable assistive devices may help individuals achieve physically demanding tasks or remain in good physical condition for longer. These technologies are expected to interact with the physical world through sensing and/or actuation, under decision support and task assignment controlled by artificial intelligence. Experiments and modeling of the biomechanics of the human body, in particular tissue and organ health, are a natural integration and interface point for assistance agents and are thus also of interest.

Researchers developing any aspect of these technologies or others related to technological supports for personal wellbeing are invited to apply. Hires in this area will complement strong research in Biomechanics, Sensing, and Robotics within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and throughout the College of Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and expand our portfolio to a broader array of ways to help an aging population thrive.

Additional Information:

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaborations, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex social challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison's strengths, RISE expands the University's successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions. Over the next three academic years, UW-Madison will substantially increase current hiring levels, bringing 150 new RISE faculty to campus.

Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venue such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community, facilitating across to research infrastructure, and funding to support broad and rich collaboration. Further information regarding RISE can be found at: https://rise.wisc.edu/

Within the College of Engineering, the RISE-THRIVE program will bring new faculty to campus in the current search. Applicants to this position will be encouraged to collaborate with new and existing faculty members with the College of Engineering and elsewhere on campus, thereby building an enhanced community of health span researchers.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is rapidly expanding, with growing student enrollment and a dynamic wave of faculty hires, making it one of the university's most vibrant and fast-evolving departments. The Department offers and fosters a transdisciplinary research and educational environment and provides the infrastructure to address grand technological challenges. The Department also strives to create a culture of belonging for all members of our growing department. Candidates who can contribute to these priorities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in these areas in their cover letter, research statement, and/or teaching statement.

Current research areas in the ME Department include energy systems and storage, electrochemical systems, and sustainability; robotics, bio robotics, sensing and autonomous systems; computer-aided engineering, data-driven approaches, AI/ML and design; fluid and solid mechanics; renewable energy, aerodynamics, extreme mechanics, biomechanics; and advanced materials design and manufacturing. The Department is currently expanding its teaching and research portfolio in Aerospace Engineering. New research directions will continue to be launched and nurtured to facilitate creative solutions to transformative technical challenges.

Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and contributing to curriculum updates and innovations; mentoring graduate students and supervising their research; developing and directing a successful, extramurally funded research program; participating in departmental and university shared governance; and contributing to professional and public service. Faculty at the associate or full professor rank will also have the responsibility of leading large research proposals and center-type activities.

• College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

• Negotiable - 9 months / ongoing / renewable

• Candidates will have a demonstrated record of academic achievement such as peer-reviewed publications and grant awards appropriate for the early career, exceptional potential in establishing a world-class research program and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality and inclusive undergraduate and graduate instruction.

• Required PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

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  Please apply directly to the website by clicking on "Apply Now". Upload a SINGLE PDF document containing a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including a complete list of publications, and the names and contact information for three references. Applicants should include a maximum three-page research statement and a one-page teaching statement describing how the applicant's research and teaching goals fit the solicitation described above. Applicants should also provide names and contact information for three references. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.

  
  

• The deadline for assuring full consideration is December 8, 2025. However, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled.

Alissa Girdler

Department of Mechanical Engineering

agirdler@wisc.edu

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