The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a tenure-track faculty position (assistant/associate) in intelligence, embodiment, and learning in robotics, effective August 2025. Given the rapid advancements and increasing integration of intelligence in robotics (including computational intelligence and physical intelligence), we seek candidates focused on fundamental research in robotics and robot learning, with a focus on areas such as vision and language models, continual learning, reinforcement learning, learning from demonstrations, representation learning, and morphological computation, with applications in diverse robotic tasks. We are interested in candidates who can catalyze the integration and analysis of data-driven and modelbased techniques in robotics and control systems. Candidates interested in establishing tailored artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning robotic courses for undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community with a strong tradition of fundamental and applied research.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, a strong record of academic accomplishments, a proven ability to work collaboratively, a commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction, and a willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu (posting number 531062). Application materials include a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant research publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. In addition, applicants must provide a research statement, a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, and a statement describing the candidate’s ideas for supporting an equitable and inclusive educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; in this document, specific examples of experiences, activities, and plans will help us identify candidates who can support and extend our university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Each of the statements can be up to 3 pages in length. Review of applications will commence on November 8th, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Suyi Li at suyili@vt.edu (540-231-7355).

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY
An equal opportunity, affirmative action institution

• EEO/AA Policy

  The department fully embraces Virginia Tech’s Commitment to increase faculty, staff and student diversity; to ensure a welcoming, affirming, safe and accessible campus climate; to advance our research, teaching, and service mission through inclusive excellence; and to promote sustainable transformation through institutionalized structures. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Services Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or at (540) 231-9331.