Assistant Professor: Robotics

Position Details

Position Information

Department Sch of Mech/Ind/Mfg Engr (EMM)

Position Title Assistant Professor

Job Title Assistant Professor: Robotics

Appointment Type Academic Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering ( MIME ), invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position within the field of robotics, at Oregon State University ( OSU ).

In support of our strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, we are launching a strategic, interdisciplinary hiring initiative to recruit a cohort of faculty members in the area of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. These positions may be appointed across the Colleges of Liberal Arts; Agricultural Sciences; Forestry; Engineering; and Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Faculty hired through this initiative will join a collaborative cohort with dedicated support structures designed to foster their success, including mentoring, community-building, and cross-college research opportunities. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and education in robotics and AI with real-world impact across diverse domains.

This position is expected to establish a research program exploring the area of field robotics. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, agricultural robotics, autonomous vehicles, marine robotics, motion planning and localization, multi-robot coordination, robot learning, robot perception, aerial vehicles, dynamical systems and control, robot and mechanism design, safe autonomy, multi-robot and swarm systems, and biologically inspired systems. Areas of application interest include, but are not limited to:

• Agriculture

• Earth, ocean, or atmospheric sciences

• Civil infrastructure

• Disaster response

• Forestry

This position is expected to establish, a thriving track record of federal and industry funding and partnerships to grow an enterprise around their areas of research.

The Oregon State College of Engineering has committed to being a national model of inclusivity and collaboration. We strive to develop a community of faculty, students, and staff that is inclusive, collaborative, diverse, and centered on student success. As such, we seek applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, including efforts promoting equitable outcomes among learners of diverse and underrepresented identity groups. Further, we seek to broaden our capacity to advance student success across individual identities, racial/ethnic categories, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

-Top 1.4% university in the world

-More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

-1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

-2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

-7cultural resource centers ( that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

-100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

-35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

-217k+ alumni worldwide

-For more interesting facts about OSU visit:

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package ( with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

-Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

-Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

-Retirement savings paid by the university.

-A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

-Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

-Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

-Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! (

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator ( to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

50% Teaching

40% Research and scholarly activities

10% Service

What You Will Need

• PhD in robotics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical or computer engineering, computer science, material science, or other relevant discipline by the start date of employment.

• Demonstrated record of research in robotics

• Demonstrated potential for or track record of securing externally competitive research funding

• Demonstrated skills or potential to teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses and a commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.

• Ability to communicate robotics concepts to a technical and general audience

• Interest in or demonstrated teaching skills and experience in inclusive teaching practices

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Research relevance to application area(s), including agriculture, earth, oceanic or atmospheric sciences, civil infrastructure, disaster response, or forestry

• Demonstrated experience working on field robotic systems in challenging environments (e.g., air, ground, marine)

• Research topic with strong potential for sustained growth and external funding

• Current or future research topic(s) that is/are aligned with the university strategic plan,Prosperity Widely Shared (

• Interest or track record in commercialization of research

• Research program has positive environmental and/or social benefit

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Most work will take place in an office environment and robotics laboratories. Field work may be required depending upon the candidate's research program and sponsored projects. Travel to national and international conferences is anticipated.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $101,628-$118,450

Link to Position Description

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09738UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 02/12/2026

Full Consideration Date 03/13/2026

Closing Date 06/15/2026

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 13, 2026.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. A Curriculum Vitae

2. A Cover Letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3. A Statement of Research

4. A Statement of Teaching

5. A Publication: Please upload one publication only.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact:

Geoffrey Hollinger

View email address on click.appcast.io

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks ( website including thefor candidates ( section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team View email address on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Questions

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OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.