University of Denver, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Materials Engineering

[Peter Laz]

See full ad and apply here: link

Position Summary
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) at the University of Denver (DU) is building an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position. While applications in all areas related to Mechanical and Materials Engineering will be considered, candidates with proven expertise in one or more of the following subfields are strongly encouraged to apply: biomedical devices, computational fluid dynamics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, surgical robotics, robotic manipulation, additive manufacturing, materials, wearable technology, rehabilitation, artificial intelligence, and data science. The potential start date of September 1, 2022 is anticipated for this hire, and the position features a competitive start-up package.

We seek exceptional teacher-scholars committed to developing or enhancing a robust research portfolio; delivering innovative, hands-on learning experiences; and authentically supporting our DEI mission. Applicants must have an earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of employment. We value highly multi-disciplinary collaborations and encourage research partnerships with existing faculty within the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science (RSECS), the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA), as well as across campus (e.g., psychology, business, education, and law). KIHA is an interdisciplinary research hub for basic science and clinical research related to aging, with active projects in aging and age-related conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the growth of the MME Department by developing a strong externally-funded research program, collaborating on interdisciplinary research projects, directing graduate and undergraduate students, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supporting DEI and being involved in service to the department, school and profession. Excellent communication skills and a high level of personal motivation are required.

The University of Denver (DU) is the oldest and largest private, independent university in the Rocky Mountain Region. Recently, RSECS moved into a new $63M building housing state-of-the-art research and instructional laboratories, classrooms, offices, and innovation spaces. The School has research strengths in biomechanics, robotics, unmanned systems, advanced materials and structures, machine learning, controls, and sensor systems with support from industry and federal sources. The MME Department offers the following degrees: BS, MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering, MS and PhD in Materials Science, and MS in Bioengineering. Our undergraduate students complete a rigorous, comprehensive core curriculum in addition to a deep, hands-on immersion in their technical curricula. DU is a research university with high research activity and an exceptional commitment to its graduate and undergraduate students.

Denver, the Mile-High City, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States. Denver’s economy is rapidly growing and diversifying, with strengths in the aerospace, healthcare, financial tech, telecommunications, and IT-software sectors. Our region features a dry climate with 300+ days of sunshine annually and surprisingly mild winters. The nearby Rocky Mountains provide beautiful views and abundant recreational opportunities year-round. The city of Denver is home to several major league sports teams, diverse neighborhoods, and strong cultural and food scenes.

For more information about the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, please visit: https://ritchieschool.du.edu/

The University of Denver’s institutional DEI action plan can be found here. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, veterans, or any other legally protected group. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The University of Denver also recognizes the importance of protecting personal privacy. Read our Privacy Policy, including notifications for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter detailing your qualifications, your interest in the position and potential synergies with DU faculty
2. A current CV
3. A statement describing the applicant’s experience in enhancing DEI through research, teaching, or service, and vision for promoting a more inclusive experience at DU (1-2 pages)
4. A statement on research detailing short- and long-term goals, multidisciplinary collaborations and/or plans (3-5 pages)
5. A statement on teaching describing ways you would contribute to our undergraduate and graduate academic programs in the MME Department (2-3 pages)
6. Names and contact information for 3 professional references

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university's complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.

Thanks for considering!

Peter J. Laz, PhD. (he/him)
Professor and Chair
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
University of Denver
Peter.Laz@du.edu