Assistant OR Associate Professor - Robotics, Mechanical Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, commensurate with experience, in robotics.

The department seeks outstanding scholars who will build a nationally recognized, externally funded research program, inspire students through excellent teaching, and contribute to the department and Mines’ interdisciplinary Robotics Program. Candidates excited about advancing Mines’ strategic initiatives in AI@Mines, Business@Mines, Ideas to Reality, Critical Minerals, Earth 2.0, Quantum Engineering, and Energy are encouraged to apply.

Special consideration will be given to candidates focused on the design and realization of new robotic systems, integrating mechanical design, novel prototyping, sensing and actuation, and learning and control. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Wearable Robotics and Human Augmentation, including exoskeletons, assistive robotics, and applications in industrial and human-centered environments.
• Advanced Robotic Sensing and Actuation, including novel sensors, actuators, soft robotics, smart materials, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Bio-inspired and Miniature Robotics, including biologically inspired robotic systems, micro- and nanoscale robotics, and innovative robotic mechanisms.
• Embodied AI and Robot Learning, including learning-based control, robotic locomotion, and intelligent physical interaction in complex and unstructured environments.

The successful candidate will join a new robotics research space and will find clear opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with Mines’ existing strengths in manufacturing, materials, energy, and mining. Potential application areas include mining automation, industrial robotics, and robotic operations in challenging environments. Teaching responsibilities will include robotics, controls, and dynamics courses in the ME Department and the Robotics Program.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to submissions received by January 4, 2027.

Please contact the search chair, Xiaoli Zhang, ([email protected]) with questions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program in robotics, disseminating results through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Recruit, supervise, and mentor graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) and undergraduate researchers.
• Develop and deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, including courses in robotics, controls, and dynamics.
• Build interdisciplinary collaborations across Mines and with industry partners.
• Cultivate and promote a collaborative and welcoming Mines community.
• Contribute to Department, University, and professional communities through active service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or another closely related field with relevant experience from an accredited program by the time the appointment begins.
• Research expertise in robotics, demonstrated by a record of scholarly publications appropriate to the career stage.
• Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program.
• Commitment and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in robotics, controls, and dynamics and to implement best practices in STEM pedagogy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to engage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• For appointment at the rank of Associate Professor: a record of research, external funding, teaching, and service commensurate with that rank.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience designing, prototyping, and experimentally validating physical robotic hardware.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: wearable robotics and human augmentation, advanced robotic sensing and actuation, bio-inspired and miniature robotics, or embodied AI and robot learning.
• Research interests aligned with one or more of Mines’ strategic initiatives in AI@Mines, Business@Mines, Ideas to Reality, Critical Minerals, Earth 2.0, Quantum Engineering, and Energy.
• Record of securing, or clear potential to secure, competitive external funding from sources such as NSF, DOE, DARPA, and industry.
• Interest in collaborating across disciplines, including biomechanics, manufacturing, materials, energy, and mining.
• Demonstrated effective teaching ability at the university level and ability to teach courses in the Mines core curriculum.
  

About Mines & The Department of Mechanical Engineering

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado's oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge and solutions that serve industry and benefit society—all to create a more prosperous future. Mines enrollment includes 6400 undergraduate students and 1900 graduate students in a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. Mines, an R1 institution, maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (~$136M in awards for fiscal year 2025) with strong participation from both graduate and undergraduate students. The 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report ranks Mines as a top 100 university. Mines has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S.  Located in Golden, Colorado, Mines has proximity to Denver and Boulder, providing opportunities for significant collaboration with government labs, industry, and other universities.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines is a nationally recognized leader in engineering education and research, dedicated to advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions to complex societal and technological challenges. The department offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where faculty engage in high-impact research, mentor talented undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to a culture of academic excellence. Areas of research strength include advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy systems, biomechanics, materials, and other interdisciplinary fields. Supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, strong industry partnerships, and an entrepreneurial spirit, the department provides exceptional opportunities for faculty to pursue externally funded research, develop meaningful collaborations, and make lasting contributions through teaching, scholarship, and service. The department's enrollment includes 2341 undergraduate students and 178 graduate students. 78% of students completed internships in 2025.

More information about Mines can be found at: https://www.mines.edu and  https://mechanical.mines.edu/

Total Rewards 

Academic Year Salary Rate 
Assistant Professor: $99,556 to $134,694 
Associate Professor: $119,000 to $138,000 

Mines takes into consideration a combination of the candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion, and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining the salary rates for potential new employees.  

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits. For this role, that includes:  

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Generous paid time off including 11 paid holidays per year
• Mandatory MDCP fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution, plus optional voluntary retirement savings plans
• Tuition benefits including up to 6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for eligible dependents
• RTD Ecopass for free light rail and bus transportation throughout the Denver Metro area.   

Colorado School of Mines offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees both professionally and personally. In addition to competitive health, retirement, and wellness benefits, employees enjoy access to a variety of campus and community resources, including discounted programs through the State of Colorado, complimentary admission to Mines Athletics home events, and membership access to the state-of-the-art Mines Recreation Center, featuring fitness classes, personal training, aquatic facilities, and more. Employees also have access to outdoor equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center and the convenience of an on-campus childcare center. Learn more about the exceptional benefits available at Mines at mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.  

How to Apply 

Priority review will begin January 4th and will continue until the positions are filled. 

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (indicating personal information, demographic information, references, and veteran status). References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process, and you will be informed before that contact is made. Applicants will notice on the application form there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. 

Your application must include:  

• a curriculum vitae,
• a statement of research (at most 4 pages),
• a statement of teaching (at most 2 pages),
• a cover letter indicating rank for consideration and expressing interest in the position at Mines 

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals, and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate's history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines, and their plans for obtaining external funding for that future research. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information visit https://research.mines.edu).  

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on, and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education. (Learn more about teaching resources at https://trefnycenter.mines.edu/.) 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any application questions at [email protected]. We appreciate your interest in Mines! 

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation may be required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting