ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL PROFESSOR - University of Florida

AST/ASO/FULL PROF

The Engineering School of Sustainability Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida invites applications for up to two full-time, tenure/tenure track, 9-month faculty positions at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, in the area of automation for industrialized construction engineering (ICE). 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 include 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, similar to 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 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, 6^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 count among its greatest strengths a value of broad diversity among faculty, students and staff and a robust, inclusive, and welcoming climate for learning and research. UF is committed to equal educational and employment opportunity and access and seeks individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and other attributes who, among their many exceptional qualifications, have a record of including a broad diversity of individuals in research and learning activities.

Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

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. Digital twin technologies for industrialized construction; and
4. AI for integrated automated systems design in the context of built environments.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, with the first full committee screening occurring on February 19, 2024, and will continue to review applications until the position is filled. You must apply by submitting an application through UFCareers via https://facultyjobs.hr.ufl.edu/. (Job 530273) 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 2025. With some flexibility for a later start date based on individual needs. For further questions, please contact Dr. Eric Jing Du at eric.du@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 800-955-8771 (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.