Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Plastics Engineering

General Summary of Position:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Plastics Engineering beginning in September 2027.

Located 25 miles northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, the internationally recognized Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is the largest ABET accredited plastics engineering program in the Unites States.

We seek collaborative scholars pursuing innovative, high-impact research in Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Polymeric Materials. The development and implementation of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in product/machine design and optimization/automation of manufacturing processes is an important part of this position’s responsibilities.

The successful candidate is expected to build a strong, externally funded research program, advise undergraduate and graduate students, teach Plastics Engineering courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in service to the Department, University and profession.

Applications are welcome with research and development expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• AI powered and generative design of polymeric materials, composites, products, machines, and/or molds
• Design for circularity including life cycle analysis, design with sustainable materials, and design for remanufacture, recycle, repair, and reuse
• Smart manufacturing including digital twins, AI-driven process automation and control, IoT enabled machines, and cloud manufacturing
• Advanced manufacturing processes including additive manufacturing, reactive extrusion/molding, micro/nano-scale fabrication, and hybrid manufacturing methods

The successful candidate is expected to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in polymer design and processing areas such as Product and Process Mold Design, Mold Engineering, Plastics Process Engineering, and Processing Theories.

The Department of Plastics Engineering values interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, innovation, and student success. Faculty engage in collaborative research across the university and with national laboratories, industry, and other academic institutions, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary research and education.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research university located 25 miles northwest of Boston in Massachusetts’ high-tech corridor. With more than 17,000 students and over $120 million in sponsored research annually, UMass Lowell provides a dynamic environment for research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Wall Street Journal ranks UMass Lowell as the No. 1 public university in Massachusetts and the top public institution in the state for social mobility. The university is committed to research excellence, student success, community partnership, and a positive and inclusive campus culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate in Plastics, Polymer, Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related area by the time of appointment
• Outstanding research record in area(s) of expertise
• Strong communications skills
• Commitment to excellence in teaching
• The ability to work effectively with diverse groups

Additional Considerations:

• Successful candidates will have a record of publications that demonstrate potential success as a researcher; teaching experience is beneficial, as well as experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow. While not required, industrial experience and a record of interdisciplinary collaboration will be viewed positively.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is full-time, benefited, and in the Massachusetts Society of Professors/MTA/NEA union. Although the union contract minimum is set at $75,000, we anticipate a hiring range of $115,000 - $122,000.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close once an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae including list of publications, patents, and other scholarly work
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• Inclusivity statement
• Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process

Organization

Working at University of Massachusetts Lowell

Located in the culturally and historically rich Merrimack.

Valley in northeast Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a vibrant research university that offers its 13,000 students more than 120 bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degree programs. Exciting opportunities in experiential and service learning, scholarship, community engagement, and international partnerships can be found across the Colleges of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Engineering; Management; Sciences; School of Health and Environment; and Graduate School of Education.

This is a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity at UMass Lowell. Student enrollment and retention have improved annually. Research funding and alumni giving have increased significantly and the campus has embarked on the construction of two new academic buildings: the Emerging Technologies & Innovation Center and the Health & Social Sciences Building.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in this area.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Massachusetts Lowell is to enhance the intellectual, personal and cultural development of its students through excellent, affordable educational programs. The University seeks to meet the needs of the Commonwealth today and into the future and supports the development of sustainable technologies and communities through its teaching, research, scholarship and engagement.