How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Applications are invited to fill a research faculty position in the University of Michigan Department of Chemical Engineering to join a computational engineering-based research group.

The successful applicant will lead research and development efforts in computational and theoretical modeling of complex colloidal systems, with a focus on geometry-driven active matter and colloidal robotics to create computational models for bio-inspired cellular colloidal robots. This role involves exploring phenomena of collections of self-propelled and/or passive particles interacting with curved interfaces and examining control mechanisms for designing autonomous active vesicles and synthetic cellular tissues. Applicants should possess strong expertise in soft matter physics, excellent programming skills in Python and C++, and experience developing new numerical methods while applying advanced geometrical and topological concepts. Additionally, the candidate will have experience writing successful proposals for research funding and computational allocations, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Effective communication skills for presenting and- articulating research at scientific conferences are essential. Ideally, the future investigator also has a proven track record of cultivating collaborative research partnerships to foster the lab's focus on interdisciplinary research and bridge the gap between theory, numerical studies, and experiments.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

Conceiving and articulating research methods for computational and theoretical modeling of geometry-driven active matter and colloidal robotics, to include fostering strong interdisciplinary collaborations with experimentalists and theoreticians. (60%)
Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. (15%)
Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. (15%)
Assisting in planning and development of proposals for research funding and computational allocations. (10%)

Required Qualifications*

PhD in physics with at least 4 years post-doctoral research experience in the computational areas described above.
Training and experience in professional software development methods and tools for soft matter simulations.
Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant areas.
Significant sustained participation in academic and professional meetings.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with code management tools, graphics and visualization systems, scripting languages, and database management.
Experience troubleshooting software issues, submitting pull requests, and working with open source software developers.

Work Locations

Ann Arbor campus

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This is a Term-Limited position for 3 years from date of hire.

May require work during early mornings, nights, and/or weekends.
The person in the position travels domestically and internationally, as required.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.