This job is closed
Applications are no longer available for this announcement. Explore current related opportunities below.
Job description
The Ohio State University: College of Engineering: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Location
Columbus Campus,Scott Laboratory (0148)
Open Date
Aug 26, 2026
Description
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering ( at The Ohio State Universityin ColumbusOH,invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment in artificial intelligence (AI) for ground transportation and mobility systems, with an emphasis on automotive applications. This position will start as early as Fall 2027.
Position Overview
This regular, full-time faculty position will support research and education in the development and application of AI for ground transportation and mobility systems, with particular emphasis on automotive applications. There is a strong university-wide focus at The Ohio State University on AI and machine learning (ML), and this position is intended to advance the integration of AI/ML across existing, emerging and future mobility technologies, including automotive and transportation systems, propulsion, automation, and intelligent, resilient, safe and human-centric infrastructure. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research integrates AI/ML with strong foundations in areas such as control, optimization, dynamical systems, decision-making,designor related methodological fields to address emerging challenges in mobility. Successful candidates shoulddemonstratethe potential to make impactful contributions to one or more areas within this broad theme. AI/ML should constitutea central componentof the candidate’s current and proposed research program, through the development of novel AI methods and/or their innovative application to transportation and mobility systems.
The successful candidate is expected toestablisha strong externally funded research program, contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching, and support the continued success of the Mechanical Engineering program. Furthermore, they will strengthen the department'sexpertiseat the intersection of AI and transportation while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across mechanical engineering, automation, robotics,controls,and intelligent systems.
AI at The OhioState University
AI is reshaping education and research, and Ohio State is at the forefront of this transformation, unlocking exponential possibilities when AI is fused with different fields.TheUniversityis committed to excellence in artificial intelligence and advancing theUniversity’srole as a national and global leader in AI-driven discovery, education, and societal impact. In support of this commitment, Ohio State will hire 100 new tenure-track faculty withexpertisein artificial intelligence (AI) over five years to drive innovation and create a central hub, the AI(X)Hub ,to provide resources and foster collaboration.
This university-wide hub will span 15 colleges and unlock the exponential possibilities thatemergewhen AI is fused withexpertiseacross six strategic pillars (X): foundations, health, engineering and sciences, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI. The AI(X)Hub will cultivate aninnovationecosystem where cross-disciplinary synergies fuel breakthroughs with profound societal impactby:
Creatinga dynamic intellectual hub to harnessOhio State’svastexpertisewhere AI scientists and domain experts across theUniversitycan collaborate to accelerate groundbreaking research and transformative innovation
Advancingfundamental AI research to push the boundaries of AI
Establishinga collaborative hub that unites researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
Developingcutting-edgeAI products that reach billions and drive meaningful change
Deliveringsolutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
Empoweringthe next generation of AI leaders through accessible AI education, mentorship, and skill development for all Ohio State learners
To support the AI Faculty Initiative at Ohio State, three AI Faculty Cohorts have been created: FoundationalAI,Applied AI and ResponsibleAIand Cybersecurity.The Foundational AI Cohort will primarily focus on elevating the theoretical,mathematical,and algorithmic underpinnings of AI.The Applied AI Cohort will primarily focus on harnessing AI to revolutionize the translation of ideas to real-world solutions for Ohio and beyond.TheResponsible AI and Cybersecurity Cohort will primarily focus on ensuring ethical innovation and safeguarding digital landscapes for a secure future.
Performance Objectives
The successful candidate for this tenure-track assistant professor position will:
Contribute to existing and future research activities in the Mechanical Engineering program, and develop andmaintaina nationally and internationally recognized and externally funded research program in their technical field,
Collaborate with faculty associated with other University and College of Engineering (COE) departments (including the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and/or Industrial and Systems Engineering) and existing COE research centers (including the Center for Automotive Research),
Teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and supervise student research
Participate in service to the University and the national and international research community.
Education and Experience Requirements
Ideal candidates willdemonstratesignificant AIexpertiseas a core element of their scholarship whether through the creation of new AI methods or novel use of AI techniques that materially advance knowledge, methods, or practice in their discipline.
For this position search, “AI” includes (but is not limited to) Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Optimization for/with ML, Probabilistic Modeling, Trustworthy/responsible AI (fairness, safety, privacy, robustness, interpretability), Human-centered AI,NaturalLanguage Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Robotics, Scientific/Physics-informed Machine Learning (ML), AI Systems and Infrastructure,andDomain-driven AI advancements in and across disciplines.
In addition to the disciplinary requirements for potential selection as a faculty member, a qualified candidate will develop, advance, or rigorously evaluate AI methods, lead AI-centered applications that produce generalizable methodological advances (for example, new algorithms, models, evaluation frameworks, datasets, benchmarks, or system designs), design or adapt AI approaches to solve previously intractable questions in a particular domain leading to generalizable insights advancements.
Routine use of off-the-shelf AI tools thatdoesnot producemethodological innovation , orfield-advancing knowledge is not sufficient for an AI facultyhirefor this initiative.
Qualifications
Applicants must have earned (or be expected to receive) a doctorate degree by May 2027 in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering or science discipline.
Applicants must conduct research with the potential for scholarly impact, innovation, and collaboration.
Applicants must havedemonstratedevidence of research productivity andthepotential foridentifyingandsecuringexternal funding.
Applicants must have the ability to teach andsupervise undergraduate and graduate studentsand embrace the development of open-minded exploration among learners.
Applicants must have leadership skills and the ability for collaboration in an academic environment,and the potential to be a conscientious University community member.
Applicants must have excellent interpersonal communication skills with the desire and ability to work constructively, decisively, and collegially with internal and external colleagues and interdisciplinary teams across the College and University.
Applicants must have the ability and initiative to work independently and be a proactive self-starter with strong project leadership skills.
Applicants must display innovative thinking, be open to sharingideas,andbe willing to continuously learn.
Applicants must havedemonstratedefforts in research, teaching, and outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values.
Additional Information
The final offer for this full-time, in-person position will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity considerations. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Immigration or visa sponsorship may be available in limited situations.
Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package .
For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Chris Atkinson of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at
Application Review
Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026.
Department Information
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, home to nearly 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 2300 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering. Our innovative and creative faculty adhere to the philosophy that true innovation depends upon the cooperation of academia, industry, and government working together to advance the goals of science and technology. Our students and faculty regularly collaborate with colleagues in other departments in the College of Engineering and with multiple other colleges across campus. Strong research relationships exist with the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, GE Aviation, Honda of America, and numerous other industrial partners. Department faculty have over $30 million annually in sponsored research expenditures in areas such as advanced transportation systems (automotive and aerospace), energy and environmental quality, materials and manufacturing, micro- and nanotechnology, nuclear energy, and bioengineering while providing leadership for the Center for Automotive Research, The NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center, the Aerospace Research Center, the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center, and the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory.
Learn more about the College of Engineering, the University and Columbus here .
The University
Ohio State is a top 20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values , our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.
Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community.While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available.More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here .
In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.
Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here . Beyondits Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.
The University is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
columbus, OH, 43224, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.