Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

University of New Mexico, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico is seeking a new tenure-track faculty member to bolster the strength of its Dynamics and Controls research area. The Assistant Professor position will be a probationary appointment leading to a tenure decision. Responsibilities will include teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, advising graduate students, and establishing a strong externally funded research program.

As a minimum requirement, applicants must hold an earned doctorate in mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates should demonstrate research experience and accomplishments in dynamics and controls, including but not limited to one or more of the areas of robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to teaching excellence in the areas of dynamics and controls. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education offering BS (ABET accredited), MS and PhD degree programs. A team of 16 full-time faculty, and several research and part-time faculty, support the activities of more than 500 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. We support both a strong core of mechanical engineering and interdisciplinary education that includes the Space Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and NanoScience and MicroSystems Engineering programs.

In addition to the traditional areas of thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials science, engineering design, dynamic systems/controls, fluid mechanics, and computational mechanics, the Mechanical Engineering faculty and students are engaged in several thrust areas such as Nanotechnology, Energy, Space Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Bioengineering. Funding agencies for the ME department include NSF, NIH, DARPA, DTRA, DOE, NASA, DOD, local industry, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The proximity of AFRL, SNL and LANL is an important catalyst for the department research. Mechanical Engineering faculty members are associated with several UNM Research Centers including the Center for Advanced Research Computing, the Manufacturing Training and Technology Center, the Center for High Technology Materials, the Center for Micro-Engineered Materials, and the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies.  For further information about the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, see me.unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico is the premier research university in the state of New Mexico. UNM is a Carnegie R1 Very High Research Activity Institution and a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, with approximately 25,000 students on the main and branch campuses with nearly 3,000 students in the School of Engineering.

Albuquerque is an ethnically diverse city and has been listed among the smartest U.S. cities and best places to relocate in America. The city has a rich culture and a location offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. The University is located within one hour of Santa Fe, and within minutes of the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges, which offer great opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing and skiing.

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM continuing faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

For best consideration, complete applications must be received by December 2, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Interested persons must apply on the web at https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/31226?c=unm.

A complete application consists of:

1. A letter of interest/personal statement
2. A comprehensive CV that clearly shows meeting the minimum doctorate requirement
3. A research statement A teaching statement
4. The titles, names and contact information (address, phone number and email address) of at least three professional references.

Inquiries should be sent to: Prof. Francesco Sorrentino (fsorrent@unm.edu), Mechanical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Offer of employment is contingent upon verification of individual’s eligibility for employment in the United States.

Why New Mexico? You are welcome here.

The University of New Mexico is the only Carnegie-classified R1 university in the state and is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. New Mexico is a majority minority state with a long and rich cultural heritage that prioritizes advancement, equity and accessibility. In the 2023 legislative session, key bills passed included establishing the Native American Voting Rights Act and expanding protections offered under the Human Rights Act. The legislature also affirmed that all New Mexicans have protected access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. The Land of Enchantment continues to welcome all who wish to call it home.