Faculty Position in Biomechanics and Biorobotics

About the role

This is a tenure-line faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Biomechanics and Biorobotics, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will also serve as the Director of the Center for Movement Science and Technology (C‑MOST) within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. The role offers a strategic leadership opportunity to shape the future of biomechanics and biorobotics at Penn State, lead the continued development of C‑MOST, and establish a broader interdisciplinary Biorobotics Research Cluster that connects world‑class research across the university’s colleges, institutes, and campuses.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Director of C‑MOST and lead its continued development.
• Establish and grow an interdisciplinary Biorobotics Research Cluster spanning Penn State’s colleges, institutes, and campuses.
• Develop and advance a compelling vision for C‑MOST and create new collaboration opportunities among researchers, engineers, clinicians, and external partners.
• Build C‑MOST as a platform for interdisciplinary discovery and technology development while advancing a broader vision for Biorobotics at Penn State.
• Integrate expertise from biomechanics and neuromechanics, robotics and control, biological systems, materials, computation, medicine, rehabilitation, and human performance.
• Contribute to the strategic administration of C‑MOST, including personnel, budgetary resources, research infrastructure, development activities, education and outreach, and engagement with internal and external partners.
• Maintain an independent, externally funded research program.
• Contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and mentorship.

Requirements

Candidates must have an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in biomechanics, kinesiology, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics, neuroscience, medicine, or a closely related discipline.

Qualifications

• Outstanding record of research excellence and scholarly productivity appropriate to the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Sustained record of peer‑reviewed extramural research funding, including active awards.
• Record of leadership in interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations.
• National or international recognition for scholarly contributions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain productive collaborations across disciplinary and organizational boundaries.
• Experience developing large‑scale research programs or multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Experience translating fundamental research, technologies, or discoveries toward clinical, industrial, or other applications.
• Evidence of effective teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to bring together individuals and groups with diverse scientific and technical expertise around shared research goals.
• For Full Professor candidates: sustained record of national or international scholarly leadership, significant external funding, and contributions to the development of interdisciplinary research programs.
• For Associate Professor candidates: strong record of scholarly achievement, external funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership appropriate to the rank.