Research Assistant Professor (Working Title: Engineering Assistant Professor), Robotics and Autonomous Systems - Mechanical Engineering Program

Position Overview

Texas A&M University at Qatar’s Mechanical Engineering Program is inviting applications for a full-time assistant-level faculty role focused on robotics and autonomous systems. This is a research-track appointment, formally titled Research Assistant Professor, with the working title of Engineering Assistant Professor.

The program is looking for candidates with strong expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, especially those working on emerging technologies and original theory with practical impact. Areas of interest include industrial robotics, autonomous systems and control, intelligent robotics for exploration, manufacturing and construction, advanced sensing and actuation, mechatronics, human-machine interaction, and AI applications in robotics and autonomous systems.

Role Expectations

Research-track faculty at Texas A&M University at Qatar are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, build an independent research agenda, and contribute through scholarship across the university and their discipline.

This is a non-tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment. The anticipated start is Spring 2024 or Fall 2024, depending on candidate availability. The selected faculty member will receive a startup package that supports summer salary for three years. After that period, the faculty member remains on a 9-month appointment and may fund the remaining months through external grants and/or teaching and service.

Program and Research Environment

The Mechanical Engineering Program currently includes 10 faculty members with a strong emphasis on teaching, research, and service. The program is supported by modern facilities and instrumentation that serve its educational and research goals.

Research support is available in Qatar through the Qatar National Research Fund and industry partnerships. Faculty may also advise graduate students enrolled in Texas A&M degree programs.

The program has recently launched a major research initiative centered on smart and sustainable manufacturing, aimed at advancing sustainability and digitization in manufacturing. This initiative connects faculty in Qatar and at the main campus in College Station, Texas, to pursue high-impact collaborative research. The role offers access to advanced resources and the chance to work with leading researchers on meaningful projects.

About the Institution and Location

Texas A&M University at Qatar is a partnership with Qatar Foundation and has operated since 2003. It offers bachelor’s degrees in Chemical, Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering, along with a master’s program in Chemical Engineering. The degrees are materially identical to those offered at the main campus, and graduates receive a Texas A&M University diploma.

The campus is based in Doha, Qatar, a multicultural Gulf city with excellent schools. The university is part of Education City, a higher-education campus that also hosts institutions such as Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Northwestern University, and Georgetown University.

The Mechanical Engineering Program values cultural and academic diversity and encourages applicants who can contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Compensation and Benefits

The university offers a competitive compensation package based on rank and experience. Benefits include housing, annual home leave allowances, dependent education, local transportation allowance, medical insurance for employees and dependents, and appropriate relocation and repatriation support.

Faculty members are also eligible for professional development funding to support teaching and curriculum development.

Qualifications

The ideal applicant should hold a doctorate in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong scholarly profile in robotics and smart systems is expected, including a Ph.D. dissertation relevant to the field and publications in respected journals.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a clear commitment to excellent teaching, the development of a sustainable research program, and service at both professional and institutional levels.

Application Details

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by September 1, 2023. Review will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must upload their materials through Interfolio. Questions may be directed to the search committee by email.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae / resume
• Research and teaching statement, with a combined maximum length of 3 pages
• Contact details for 4 references who can provide letters upon request

Shortlisted candidates will need to provide three reference letters.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Texas A&M University at Qatar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of veteran status or disability.