Postdoctoral Associate in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

Post-Doctoral Associate - UMD Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

About the Job

Applications are invited for a McKnight Foundation sponsored postdoctoral associate (job code 9546) in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department (MIE) in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).  This is a 12-month teaching and research position beginning July 1, 2022 or later with teaching duties (2 courses annually) in the MIE department or other departments depending on candidate qualifications and need.  The remainder of the time will be engaged in research, with Dr. Yongzhi Qu, these research activities include, but are not limited to, researching on machine learning framework for data-driven and physics-informed modeling for system dynamics and control. The research efforts are aimed towards building an effective learning framework for dynamic systems modeling, identification, and control in industrial settings.  The initial appointment will be for one year with further appointments contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Job Duties

• Teaching (50%): Teach two courses annually in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering or other departments depending on qualifications. Develop course content as needed.
• Research (50%): Develop machine learning models and algorithms; design and conduct experiments to generate and collect data, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate degree from a regionally accredited university in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or any relevant field

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with Python, MATLAB, experience with Pytorch is a plus.
• Project experience with machine learning algorithms or optimization for mechanical and industrial applications.

Highly motivated team player, passionate about teaching, fluent in English with good writing skills.

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth has undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Industrial Engineering (IE) which are both ABET-accredited and the department also offers two graduate degree programs: the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and the Master of Environmental Health and Safety. 

Our students are talented and engaged, both inside and outside of the classroom, and have an impressive track record in regional and national design competitions such as the United States Air Force Research Laboratories design challenge, the SAE Clean Snowmobile challenge, and high-powered rocketry competitions (e.g., the 2018 Spaceport America Cup).   

Our faculty members pursue cutting-edge research and share their passion for lifelong learning by inviting students to assist them with their research efforts. Areas of faculty expertise include manufacturing systems, product innovation, strategic technology management, sensors and signal processing and medical image analysis.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To apply, go to https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for job ID 347220.  First, submit the application with cover letter and CV/resume in pdf format.  Then, return to the “My Job Applications” page to attach the additional documents, also in pdf format.  Complete applications include the online application, cover letter, and resume/CV, plus additional documents as follows:  (1) contact information for 3 current professional references and (2) teaching/research philosophy and (3) diversity statement.  Even if you provide this information within the application, you must also attach the requested additional documents.  Please do not miss this important step in the application process.  Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota-Duluth by the start date.  Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information.

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning May 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.  Please send any inquiries to Tracy Shaw at 218-726-6161 or mie@d.umn.edu.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

 All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

UMD is a regional comprehensive land and sea-grant state university, one of five coordinate campus within the State of Minnesota system and with a total enrollment of approximately 11,000 students.  SCSE is the largest college at UMD comprising approximately 3200 undergraduate students, 240 graduate students, 180 faculty, and 80 permanent staff.  The college includes the science departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics and Astronomy, and Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the ABET-accredited departments of Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Civil and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

A dynamic city on a hill situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth was named Outdoor magazine’s Best Outdoors Town in 2014, celebrating its access to the outdoors and to Lake Superior -- the largest freshwater lake on earth by area. Duluth is home to hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and skiing trails, including the Superior Hiking Trail, a 300+ mile trail intersecting Duluth, and the Duluth Traverse, an 85-mile multi-use biking and hiking trail stretching across town. In addition to the outdoors, the Twin Ports area has vibrant music, arts, crafts and craft brewing scenes, and a variety of award-winning restaurants. Duluth is a truly wonderful place to live, with great schools, health care, and affordable housing. It mixes its historic small-town feel with a dynamic urban economy and many cultural offerings.

Duluth, with a population of approximately 85,000 people, is located at the head of beautiful Lake Superior. As a major shipping port, over 1,000 vessels from around the world pass under its iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, annually. Duluth is a popular tourist destination, with 3.5 million people visiting the city annually, for a $780 million economic impact. More information about Duluth can be found at www.visitduluth.com.

If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact MSRS or PERA for any eligibility limitations.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.