Assistant Professor Position in Robotics and Autonomous Systems bei Fairfield University

Job Description:

The School of Engineering and Computing at Fairfield University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor rank in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, pending final budget approval. The preferred start date is September 1st, 2026. Candidates in all areas of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related areas are encouraged to apply.

Position Description: This position requires the ability to perform teaching, scholarship, and service responsibilities. The successful candidate will be required to: (1) develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses (lecture and laboratory); (2) supervise MS-level theses, undergraduate research, capstone and senior design projects; (3) pursue scholarly activities (including externally-funded research and peer-reviewed publications); (4) engage in academic advising and mentoring; and (5) assist in program assessment, execution of the department’s continuous improvement plan, and documentation in support of ABET accreditation. The position is an academic (9-month), tenure-track appointment, and the salaries are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The School of Engineering and Computing is organized into the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, and the Michael Zabinski Department of Mechanical Engineering. The Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering is experiencing steady growth and has developed a new program in Mechatronics Engineering. All programs in the school are ABET accredited. The department boasts several state-of-the-art laboratories, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Cloud Computing, and manages a Security Operations Center. The Department offers two undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, and several graduate programs in Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Software Engineering.

Required Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related area (attained by the start date of appointment)
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written) 
• Ability to effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate courses
• Demonstrated potential to engage in research and conduct funded research in a relevant field, along with a demonstrable publication record. 

Preferred Qualifications:

While candidates with expertise in all areas of robotics and/or autonomous systems are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to candidates whose research bridges robotics with artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, or related interdisciplinary domains. Other areas of research interest include expertise in Robot Perception and Learning, Multi-Robot Systems, Soft Robotics, Human-Centered Robotics, and Robotics for Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Societal Impact.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 15th, 2025. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2026, pending budget approval.
 

Please click “Apply Now” and upload the following materials. A complete application will consist of: (1) a cover letter addressing the qualifications (one-page), (2) a statement of teaching interests and research plan (two pages), (3) a curriculum vitae, and (4) the names and contact information of three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates). Only complete electronic applications will be considered. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Sidike Paheding ([email protected]).

Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is one of twenty-eight Jesuit Catholic colleges and universities in the United States. The University’s Jesuit and Catholic identity give rise to its vibrant education in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions that prepares students to lead their communities with insight, empathy, critical rigor, and a determination to serve and promote justice. Fairfield University allows untenured tenure-track faculty members to take Pre-Tenure Research Leaves. This leave will cover one semester during the third or fourth year and will be granted at full pay. Located in the coastal town of Fairfield, Connecticut, the University's 200-acre campus is just one hour outside New York City, in the heart of a region with the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation.

For more information on Fairfield University, please visit www.fairfield.edu. For more information on the School of Engineering and Computing, please visit www.fairfield.edu/sec.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Category:

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. 
 

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.

Faculty Positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.

Staff positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to [email protected]