Research Assistant/Associate Professor

The Engineering School of Sustainability Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, time limited, 9-month, non-tenure track Research Professor at the rank of Assistant or Associate, in the area of automation for industrialized construction engineering (ICE). Initial appointment is for one year, with annual reappointment based on available funding and performance.

This initiative is part of a recent investment of $2.5 million by the university strategic funding, aimed at building a robust and innovative ICE program. We seek innovative candidates who are motivated to advance science and technologies in this fast-growing field.

Responsibilities for the successful candidates will be developing a robust research program in ICE, supervising graduate student research activities, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and contributing to department service activities.

Selected candidates will be expected to work closely with a team of researchers and educators dedicated to pushing the boundaries of ICE and discovering innovative methods and applications. Collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation will be key elements in driving advancements in this rapidly evolving field.

In addition to contributing to a vibrant research environment, candidates will be expected to develop strong partnerships with industry to explore prototyping and testing of cutting-edge technologies and practices in real-world applications. These collaborations are expected to extend UF interests and investments in ICE, ensuring that our research has a tangible impact on multiple industries.

The field of ICE is rapidly evolving, inspired by significant advancements in AI, robotics, and digital twins. The integration of these transformative technologies is essential to enhance the digitization and automation of built environments. Such advancements are not only pivotal in improving the quality of work-life experiences but also in simplifying activities of daily living.

A key focus of this position will be on automation technologies, which are expected to play a crucial role in the future of ICE. The construction industry, traditionally characterized by lower productivity levels compared to manufacturing, stands at the cusp of a revolution. Through the adoption of advanced automation and AI tools, like those used in digital manufacturing systems, ICE is poised to significantly boost productivity and incorporate cutting-edge technologies in the construction sector.

The successful candidate will explore specific application areas such as on-site automated fabrication and assembly, aiming to reduce costs, enhance energy efficiency, and promote low carbon development. With the market potential for industrialized production projected to reach $29 billion by 2027, this role is at the forefront of a significant industrial shift. This trend is further bolstered by the $1.2 trillion national infrastructure renewal legislation, emphasizing the need to automate repetitive activities and improve individual productivity while facilitating human interaction with built environments.

The University of Florida is strategically positioned to attain a leadership role in ICE. We are seeking talented faculty members to join our team, who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of innovation in intelligent automation and construction industries. The ideal candidate will contribute to shaping the future of ICE through technologies and the development of new, high production, and sustainable practices.

The University of Florida is the flagship campus of the State of Florida university system and is ranked as the #1 best public US university according to the Wall Street Journal. UF is currently ranked as one of the best public universities, 7^th according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges. UF is home to HiPerGator, which ranks 3^rd among university supercomputers in the nation.

In addition, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is currently implementing a major expansion of faculty and state-of-the-art research and education facilities with a focus on AI. The Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology, a 260,000 sq feet facility that serves as the hub for Artificial Intelligence, opened in Fall 2023. The College will reach 300 faculty members this year. For more information about our college initiatives, please visit http://eng.ufl.edu. The University and College are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment; Registration as a Professional Engineer.

Ideal applicants should possess a strong background in one or more of the following areas: 

1. Automation technologies for built environments.
2. Robotics and IoT applications for built environments.
3. Machine Learning and Facilitated Logistics Optimization,
4. Machine Learning and Facilitated Building Topologies and Modularity Optimization,
5. Machine Learning and Facilitated Productivity, Space, and Resource Allocation Optimization; and
6. AI for integrated automated systems design in the context of built environments.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by applying through UFCareers via https://jobs.ufl.edu/. See Job Requisition 534278. (The application consists of attached PDF files of the following required documents: 1. Cover letter (summary, introduction related to hiring emphasis areas)  2. Curriculum vitae (including a 1-page CV highlights) 3. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of no less than three and up to five references. Additional documents should be uploaded as one PDF to the “other documents” selection in the application. 4. Research Statement (including identification of any current synergies with UF) 5. Teaching Statement. The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2024. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. For further questions, please contact Dr. Kyle Riding at kyle.riding@essie.ufl.edu.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

If accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.