Description
The Herff College of Engineering (HCoE) at the University of Memphis is pleased to announce
multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions as part of a strategic cluster hire focused on
the interdisciplinary theme of Smart Cities, with complementary emphasis in Articial Intelligence
(AI), Advanced Manufacturing, Engineered Materials, and Sustainable Energy and Environmental
Systems. This initiative is designed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and to catalyze
transformative research at the intersection of AI, technology, data science, infrastructure, and
sustainability.
We seek visionary and forward-thinking scholars whose work advances the digital, energy- efficient,
and environmentally sustainable transformation of urban environments, production systems, and
materials design.
Applicants with expertise in enabling technologies—including articial intelligence (AI), machine
learning, or automation—are encouraged to apply, especially where such tools enhance engineering
solutions for complex urban and industrial systems.
This cluster hire aligns with one of the College’s core strategic priorities: to grow targeted
research areas with strong potential for national impact, expanded external funding, and regional
application. The new faculty will collaborate across disciplines and with existing faculty experts
to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive research ecosystem that enhances the College’s national
leadership in Smart Cities innovation and beyond.
The Smart Cities theme is at the forefront of national and global priorities for urban resilience,
sustainability, and innovation. In support of this vision, special consideration will be given to
candidates whose expertise falls within the following areas:
1. Smart Infrastructure & Urban Planning – urban-scale integration of cyber-physical systems and
IoT; intelligent infrastructure and mobility systems; data-driven urban planning and digital twins;
circular economy models and sustainable city design; green infrastructure and nature-based
solutions; urban resilience and disaster risk management; computational and AI-assisted planning
tools
2. Energy & Environment – renewable energy integration and smart grid optimization; electrication,
energy storage, and hydrogen technologies; urban energy modeling and environmental sensing;
water-energy nexus and resource-efficient urban ecosystems; data analytics and machine learning for
energy forecasting
3. Advanced Manufacturing –metals, polymers, composites; robotics, automation, and cyber-physical
production systems; sustainable, low-carbon, or circular manufacturing processes; smart supply chains and urban manufacturing integration; AI-supported process control and predictive maintenance; advanced manufacturing
systems and automation including additive, hybrid and smart manufacturing
4. Engineered and Functional Materials – smart and sustainable infrastructure materials design and
characterization; energy and sensing materials for resilient cities; circular and low-impact
materials and manufacturing; integrated urban supply chains and localized production; computational
methods and data-driven materials design
The Herff College of Engineering is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and
providing the support necessary for faculty to succeed in advancing impactful,
forward-thinking research.
Responsibilities:
Develop and sustain an innovative, externally funded research program that supports graduate students and engages other faculty.
Teach core and elective courses in home departments and interdisciplinary programs.
Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
Collaborate within the cluster to pursue large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Engage with stakeholders, including industry, government, and communities, to translate research
into real-world impact.
How to Apply
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in an Engineering discipline or a closely related eld. They
must demonstrate a clear potential for creative, interdisciplinary, and independent research that
would lead to a strong, externally funded research program with
national and international recognition. Candidates are expected to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Interested candidates must submit their application materials through the University of Memphis
employment portal at https://workforum.memphis.edu/. To locate the position, please select the
"Full-Time Faculty" category.
A complete application must include the following:
1. A cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant qualications
2. A statement of research accomplishments and future plans
3. A teaching philosophy statement
4. A comprehensive curriculum vitae
5. Contact information (name, email, phone number, and address) for three professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until all positions are lled. The
anticipated start date is August 2026, for the fall semester.
The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We urge all qualied
applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualications as they relate to
position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, creed,
sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic
information, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class.
Requirements
Qualications:
Required:
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Energy
Systems, Urban Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering or a related discipline
Evidence of research excellence and potential for securing independent funding
Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels
Strong interest in interdisciplinary research aligned with the theme of “Smart Cities”
Preferred:
Experience in one or more of the cluster focus areas
A track record of collaborative or cross-disciplinary work
Engagement with societal impact, public-private partnerships, or technology deployment
