Career Center

This position will begin as an Assistant Professor of Mechatronics / Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering, with 65% Research and 35% Teaching appointment. They will develop a thriving research program in Mechatronics / Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering that will expand and support current research efforts in collaboration with faculty in the department, the Institute, and across campus.  They will also support the department's educational programs by teaching classes in the  Mechanical Systems Engineering thrust of the Biosystems Engineering undergraduate and graduate programs.   

The successful candidate will develop a thriving research program, evidenced by successful and sustained grants activity, a strong publication record, regional / national / international recognition by peers as an expert in this research area, active mentoring of graduate students and /or post-doctoral researchers, and outreach to stakeholders making use of the information.

Research in this position should advance our understanding and tools to address topics such as, but not limited to:
- automated crop handling and harvesting
- human-robot interaction in precision agriculture
- autonomous navigation in agricultural systems
- integration of sensors, machines, and information systems for real-time field operations and related data collection in agricultural ecosystems
- sensing and robotic systems for improved animal welfare
- automated animal processing
- biomimicry or biological-inspired machines and devices

Mechatronics / AI Systems engineering is a topic of increased interest to students, and the addition of such an engineer on the faculty will enhance biosystems engineering teaching programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will teach classes in support of the Biosystems Engineering undergraduate and graduate programs.  They will also provide leadership to Mechanical Systems Engineering thrust within those programs. Teaching expectations as currently envisioned will include the existing BSE411 Mechanical Systems Engineering (3 credit hours, taught once every year), partial involvement with teaching the BSE400/404/444 Senior Design sequence, and teaching a Senior/graduate course BSE4xx/5xx Mechatronics/AI course as an undergraduate Technical Elective broad-interest graduate course (3 credit hours, once every year). The candidate would also be expected to periodically participate as a mentor in BSE Senior Design projects, and graduate student mentoring.         

The successful candidate must possess the following:
- knowledge of Mechatronics / AI Systems Engineering, including especially the use of robotics, data collection, and data analytics to drive mechanical systems design and operation
- an understanding of fundamental engineering concepts and processes
- demonstrated skill in monitoring, machine design, and machine controls
- demonstrated skill in the theory and techniques of Artificial Intelligence
- proficiency in oral and written communication, demonstrating the ability to communicate with both technical and student audiences
- demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with peers

Preferred Qualifications

We prefer that the candidate possess the following:
- a proven ability to organize and leading group activities, such as would be required for classes or for research meetings
- skill in developing a course, delivering classroom or laboratory lectures, and providing student with feedback
- skill in writing and submitting grant proposals
- skill in writing manuscripts and getting them submitted and approved
- success towards or the ability to pursue professional licensure.

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. Please send (in a single electronic file, pdf preferred) a letter of application that includes the following: a) a short summary of research interests and experience; b) a short summary of teaching interests and experience; c) a detailed CV / resume; and d) contact information for at least four professional references. Please submit this directly via Interfolio, and address any questions regarding the program or positions to Search Committee Chair Daniel Yoder (dyoder@utk.edu).

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

About University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Our primary mission is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate the citizens of the state of Tennessee, the nation, and the world. As the preeminent research-based, land-grant university in the state, UT embodies the spirit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement attained by the nation’s finest public research institutions.

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