Fluid Power and Mechanical Design Tenure-track Position

The School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University invites applications for a tenure-track, full-time appointment at either the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the area of fluid power and or mechanical design. Applicants are expected to have earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or related disciplines. This position will be at the West Lafayette campus.

Teaching Expectations

The Purdue Polytechnic transformation requires faculty with both high technical competence and the ability and desire to teach in active classrooms. We are looking for candidates to teach students in our Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and related Engineering Technology degree programs with strengths in fluid power and mechanical design and/or quality systems that cut across the disciplines. Expertise in computing and computer-based methods in relation to mechanical design is highly desirable. Fluid power is an important part of our engineering technology programs, in terms of fundamental mechanical system designs, with applications in mechatronics, robotics and advanced manufacturing systems.

In addition to teaching and research, the candidate will be expected to aid in curriculum development for the MET and MFET programs, providing depth in mechatronics and robotics with an emphasis on computing. The candidate will need to participate in our graduate program, teaching new and existing classes, and mentoring graduate students in funded research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels.

Research Expectations

The applied research portfolio of the School of Engineering Technology spans the gamut of MET, MFET, ECET, and IET with focus areas in materials, aluminum and magnesium casting, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), mechatronics, manufacturing systems, sustainable silicon and polymer circuitry, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, sensors, and healthcare technology. The research focus of the successful candidate is open, but is expected to complement these existing strengths through a focus on mechanical design and fluid power, possibly from a computational perspective.

The candidate is expected to generate fundable research in their chosen field, and to sustainably support graduate students. Particular areas of interest include, but are not limited to, design and development of smart products, mechanical analyses, meta-materials, co-design, and design and analysis as it impacts additive manufacturing, especially in conjunction with existing initiatives around Robotics and the Internet of Things (RIoT Zone initiative).

The candidate is expected to interface with external clients, both commercial and governmental, and to establish relationships with companies looking for ways to engage with our students at all levels from undergraduate to PhD. This may take the form of mentoring senior capstone teams as well as graduate research.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in engineering technology, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. This position requires the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing for both classroom effectiveness and external engagement. People with the proven ability to contribute to an inclusive workplace are particularly encouraged to apply. Relevant, recent industrial experience and prior teaching experience are highly desirable.

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort including discovery, instruction, and engagement.  Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

The Purdue Polytechnic Institutes transformation plan can be accessed at: https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/answering-the-call.

Application Procedure

All candidates must apply through Success Factors (SF) and include: 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume or CV, 3) a clear statement of teaching and research interests, 4) a statement addressing inclusivity, and 5) the names of three references. 

Screening will begin January 1, 2020 and conclude when the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Purdue views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all University related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran.

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