McKnight Postdoctoral Fellow / Associate

The Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) (https://scse.d.umn.edu/) at the University of Duluth (UMD) (https://www.d.umn.edu/) has funding available to support multiple McKnight Teaching Postdoctoral Fellows within the engineering and computer science programs (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering). This two-year fellowship also includes a research fund for the Fellow to spend on supplies and travel. The McKnight Fellow will be expected to teach one course per semester and carry out research under the mentorship of an engineering professor. The teaching assignment is open for any area of engineering or computer science. Importantly, upon identifying a Fellow and through discussions with them, the PI will provide a mentoring plan that describes the strategy for the Fellow to develop the research, teaching, and mentorship skills necessary for a successful career.

Please contact the potential mentor directly (https://z.umn.edu/2024-25McKnightPostdoc) or Associate Dean Erin Sheets (edsheets@d.umn.edu) for further information. The anticipated start date for the McKnight Postdoctoral Fellows is the beginning Summer 2025 or later. This is a two-year position with further appointments contingent upon performance and availability of funding.

Salary: $57,000

Job Duties

Teaching (50%)

• Teach two courses annually (one per semester) in the assigned department(s), depending on qualifications.
• Develop course content as needed.

Research (50%)

• Participate in ongoing engineering-related research projects.
• Co-author and present research papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Co-author grant proposals to internal and external agencies. Participate in collaborative meetings with internal and external faculty members.
• Supervise undergraduate and Master's students.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in one of the engineering sciences (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) that has been completed by the start date.
• A demonstrated ability to independently design and carry out research projects resulting in publications.
• An ability to teach undergraduate or graduate courses in engineering or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly motivated team player.
• Passionate about teaching.
• Fluent in spoken and written English with good writing skills.

Potential Postdoctoral Mentors

• Chemical Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/chemical-engineering-department)
  • Sam Toan, Weiguo Xie
• Civil Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/civil-engineering-department)
  • Manik Barman, Chan Lan Chun and Nathan Johnson, Xingzhou Guo, Abdullah Haroon
• Computer Science (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/computer-science)
  • Sophia Knight, Peter Peterson, Jomara Sandbulte, Andrew Sutton
• Electrical Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/electrical-engineering-department)
  • David Anderson, Peng Fang
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (https://scse.d.umn.edu/departments-and-programs/mechanical-industrial-engineering-department)
  • Hessam Mirgolbabaei, Harish Palnitkar, Ping Zhao, Debao Zhou

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online; go to https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for job ID xx. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach PDF files of a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To complete the application, please attach the following PDF files: (1) a cover letter (please indicate which faculty mentor(s) you are interested in working with); (2) a CV/resume; (3) contact information for three professional references; (4) a teaching/research philosophy; and (5) a diversity statement. Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Application review will begin December 2, 2024, and continue until the positions are filled. Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota Duluth by the start date. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).