Assistant or Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks an outstanding scholar for an Assistant or Associate Professor position in Mechanical Engineering, focused on construction robotics.

The role invites collaboration across robotics and the built environment, with co-funding from the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering or a closely related field.
• Evidence of growth in scholarly or professional achievement.
• Experience teaching or conducting research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-impact research in construction robotics.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering.
• Collaborate across Penn State's robotics and real estate initiatives.

Skills

Construction robotics

Teaching experience

Interdisciplinary research

Research leadership

Education

PhD in engineering or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University in University Park is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-line position in Mechanical Engineering at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the area of construction robotics. Funding for construction robotics is seeing explosive growth, with global construction-tech markets surging and major startups raising massive rounds. This position would align with efforts across Penn State in the areas of robotics and the built environment. This position is co-funded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is home to more than 65 faculty, 350 graduate students, and 1110 undergraduate students. The faculty conduct in excess of $48M per year of funded research across a broad spectrum of traditional and emerging areas. Penn State actively encourages and provides resources for interdisciplinary research collaboration through university-level institutes primarily focused on materials, health, and energy. The Department offers separate B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in mechanical engineering including online graduate programs in mechanical engineering and in additive manufacturing and design. The Department has a dedicated faculty and staff forming a strong sense of community and belonging. Further information on the Department can be found at: http://www.me.psu.edu/.

Penn State's Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation is a university-wide research institute within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research focused on advancing innovation across the built environment. The Institute brings together over 150 interdisciplinary experts in engineering, artificial intelligence, construction, energy, materials, health, and public polict to address complex challenges in how buildings and infrastructure are designed, built, operated, and experienced. Institute faculty gain access to interdisciplinary collaborators across Penn State, industry and government partners, grant and proposal-development support, opportunities for industry-sponsored and applied research, Living Laboratory projects and testbeds, and competitive seed funding. Further information on Cocoziello Institute can be found at https://cocoziello.psu.edu/.

The Assistant Professor should possess a Ph.D. in engineering or a closely related field by the appointment start date; must have demonstrated ability as a teacher or research worker; and must have shown definite evidence of growth in scholarly or professional achievement. The Associate Professor should possess the same qualifications as the Assistant Professor, but must also provide evidence of an established reputation in scholarly or professional achievement.

Nominations and applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Screening of applicants will begin on November 16, 2026. Applicants should submit the following documents:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• a statement on research
• a statement on teaching
• a statement on alignment with and experience related to Penn State's Values of Respect and Community
• copies of 3 key publications
• names and addresses of five professional references

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine all materials into a single PDF to meet the 5-document limit.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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