Research Assistant Professor Position in Robotics

The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a non-tenure-track position of Research Assistant Professor in the general area of robotics. The specific subjects of interest include manipulation, planning, human-robot interaction, and 3D computer vision. Depending on the candidate’s background and interest, the appointment could be housed in either the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) or the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (LCSEE).

Eligible candidates must hold an earned doctoral degree in robotics engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field, at the time of the appointment. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, other scholarly activities in the relevant areas of interest and the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the general areas of robotics is required for the position.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: developing and testing novel robotic systems and algorithms; guiding graduate and undergraduate students in research; conducting sponsored research and disseminating its findings at technical conferences and in archival journals; and developing new research proposals to acquire competitive external funding. Interest to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the general areas of robotics and mechatronics will be encouraged.

West Virginia University is the comprehensive Land Grant University of the State of West Virginia with a main campus enrollment of over 29,000 students, and a Carnegie Classification of Highest Research Activity (i.e., R1 University). Morgantown and its vicinity have a population of about 137,000 residents and are ranked among the most livable small cities in the country. The community lies within a high technology corridor that also includes several federal research facilities. The city is located within reasonable driving distances from Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC. Additional details on the area and the university are available at http://www.morgantownwv.gov and http://www.wvu.edu.

The WVU Statler College currently has eight academic departments with over 4,700 students and 135 faculty members. It is nationally recognized for high quality teaching and research, as well as for its excellent faculty and students. The general area of robotics has recently received strong support from the Statler College, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Our team has recently won the NASA Sample Return Robot Centennial Challenge with a total prize of $855,000. Other externally sponsored research projects related to robotics currently include precision robotic pollination, improved autonomy of planetary rovers, search and rescue in underground tunnels, and the cooperative estimation and control of heterogeneous UAV/UGV teams. Most programing are done in ROS.

To apply for this position, visit www.jobs.wvu.edu. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a two-page research statement, two representative publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin on September 10, 2018. Only candidates who submit complete documentation will be considered in the review process. For further information, please contact Dr. Yu Gu at (304-293-3992), (yu.gu@mail.wvu.edu) or Dr. Jason Gross at (304-293-3770), (jason.gross@mail.wvu.edu). You may also visit the MAE website at: http://www.mae.statler.wvu.edu and the LCSEE website at: https://lcsee.statler.wvu.edu/.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.