How to Apply
Applications are being accepted through the MCareers website at https://careers.umich.edu/. Please submit the following items in one continuous document.
- A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position, the contributions you have made to your publications, any experience developing proposals for research funding, and examples of how you have worked both independently and as a member of a team. Individuals should also include examples of leadership skills and experience to be considered for senior level faculty positions.
- An academic CV detailing education, experience, publications by type, and presentations. In this document, provide separate lists for (a) peer-reviewed journal articles, (b) conference papers, and (c) other publications.
- A 1-page research statement highlighting your research experience and your goals for future research, including the primary topics you would like to pursue. Address how these align with UMTRI's research activities.
- UMTRI, the College of Engineering (CoE), and the University of Michigan (U-M) recognize and value contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI; diversity.umich.edu.) Please include a statement (up to 1 page) describing your past efforts to support DEI and how you would work to support DEI at UMTRI.
- Names and contact information for three references. If you would prefer to submit them later in the process, please mention this in your cover letter.
- Copies of 1-3 publications that best demonstrate the quality of your work.
Note: Review of applications will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Summary
We are inviting applicants to apply for a full-time research faculty position at the rank of Research Professor or Research Associate Professor. This non-tenure-track position offers the opportunity to focus on research in the Biosciences Group. We are looking for individuals who would like to join UMTRI long term and who will contribute to the excellence and diversity of our research efforts. Individuals being considered for senior level faculty positions must be able to demonstrate leadership skills. The intended start date for this research faculty position will be in the Fall of 2024 and would require the individual to live in or relocate to Southeastern Michigan.
As an UMTRI faculty member, you would work collaboratively with other faculty, research staff, and student researchers to study issues related to transportation safety and mobility. We offer an interdisciplinary environment that includes engineers, psychologists, behavioral scientists, and statisticians working on projects funded by government and industry sponsors. Most faculty work primarily with one research group (Behavioral Sciences, Biosciences, CMISST (Data), Engineering Systems, Human Factors) but collaborate across groups as projects demand.
The Biosciences Group conducts research on the biomechanics of motor vehicle occupants as it relates to occupant injuries, crash protection, and occupant accommodation. Biosciences researchers use state-of-the-art laboratory testing facilities, computer modeling, and data analysis techniques to conduct a wide range of research. The scope of Biosciences work encompasses these main areas:
- Impact biomechanics, involving lab work with human surrogates to study the response of the human body to dynamic loading.
- Computational human body modeling to assess the effects of crashes and other loading scenarios on human response and injury.
- Engineering anthropometry and vehicle ergonomics, including extensive testing with volunteers to characterize their posture, motion, and body shape while interacting with vehicles, seats, and other systems.
- Crash data analysis to identify the mechanisms involved in motor-vehicle injury and assess the performance of occupant protection systems.
What You'll Do
Daily activities include conducting research, performing experiments, analyzing data, and coordinating activities with other faculty, research staff, and students. Ongoing activities include writing reports and journal articles, presenting at conferences, and writing proposals to secure additional funding. Student engagement is highly encouraged and could involve supervision of paid student research assistants, participating as mentors in formal UM student research programs (UROP, SURE, MDP), classroom teaching, or service on graduate committees. UMTRI recently initiated a program where faculty can supplement their salary by offering students experiential learning opportunities, as well as accrue additional backstop funding. Many faculty actively participate in professional organizations. All faculty members are asked to serve on UMTRI administrative committees.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility (http://umtri.umich.edu). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 19 faculty members, 51 research staff and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities. Lecturer opportunities may be available for those who are interested, and several UMTRI faculty currently serve as lecturers in the College of Engineering. UMTRI generates between $14M and $18M in research expenditures each year with funding from a wide range of government agencies and industry partners.
To get a glimpse of UMTRI at work as a leader in providing safe, equitable and efficient transportation research innovation, follow the link below:
https://youtu.be/iFokHTAYKfc?si=rw53pAbtGx2wlRdC
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation's number one 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
Required Qualifications*
- Successful applicants must hold a doctorate in engineering or another relevant discipline.
- Must have experience and expertise related to research areas relevant to the Biosciences Group, such as biomechanics, ergonomics, anthropometry, finite-element modeling, and vehicle crash safety.
- Candidates should have a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Candidates at the research professor level will have exemplary and sustained national and international reputation. Candidates at the associate research professor level will have a strong local and national reputation on the basis of research productivity and contributions over several years.
- Successful candidates will have demonstrated Independent scholarship and independent sustained funding by serving as PI, multiple PI, and/or lead of substantive portions of multiple research grants.
*Some supplemental funding sources are subjected to export control restrictions. Please note that these projects will require US Citizenship or permanent residency to work with export-controlled material.
Desired Qualifications*
- Exemplary experience with obtaining research funding from both government and industry sponsors.
- Interest in providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Research experience in experimental biomechanics.
- Strong reputation with potential industry sponsors.
Underfill Statement
This position is posted as Research Professor/ Research Associate Professor. The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidate's qualifications.
Additional Information
Located in southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is a vibrant university town, technology and innovation hotspot, and culinary center with an active downtown scene. Frequently voted the best place to live in Michigan, Ann Arbor blends the charm of the U.S. midwest with multicultural influences from around the globe. Ann Arbor is approximately a 45 minute drive from Detroit, a 4 hour drive from Chicago, and is in close proximity to the North American Great Lakes, which are beautiful and popular spring, summer, and fall destinations for locals. http://umtri.umich.edu/candidate-resources.
The University of Michigan is responsive to the needs of dual-career families. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community. We are a non-discriminatory, affirmative-action employer.
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.