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The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Research Assistant Professor WOT (without tenure) position. This position is on a 12-month service period with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024.

The successful candidate will conduct research in the field of cellular biomechanics and mechanobiology, with specific focus on how mechanical processes drive leukocyte activation, regulate vascular wall barrier function, and govern leukocyte trafficking into tissues.  The successful candidate is expected to integrate advances in quantitative microscopy, microfluidics, and soft matter biophysics, apply them to create fundamental advances on the understanding of the biomechanics of inflammation, and develop translational engineering approaches for minimizing inflammation caused by medical devices and for discovering novel therapeutical targets for immune system diseases. Additional responsibilities may include the teaching of undergraduate and graduate students in areas like cellular biomechanics and mechanobiology, biomicrofluidics, quantitative cell and tissue microscopy, as well as cardiovascular biomechanics, with a particular emphasis on cell biomechanics laboratory techniques.

The investigator will be responsible for developing and maintaining an extramurally-funded research program. The new faculty will be expected to engage in experimental or computational analyses of vascular biological systems, quantitative microscopy, microfluidics, and soft matter biophysics, to catalyze seminal advances in technologies to quantify of in vitro and in vivo hemodynamic, tissue, cellular, and intracellular mechanical processes including e.g., non-invasive high-throughput measurement of intracellular mechanical properties, contractility and motility. These advances will pave the way for significant improvements in imaging-based modeling capabilities, where the ME department has nationally recognized strength at the macroscopic (tissue and whole organ) level and is venturing to reach similar recognition at the microscopic (cellular and extracellular matrix) level. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with stakeholders in the UW SOM and other Research Institutes in the Seattle area who are interested in advances on deep mechanobiological phenotyping of cells and tissues.

The successful applicant will be expected to provide innovative, high-quality teaching; to develop a vigorous, externallyfunded research program; and to contribute to the goals and missions of the department, college, and university.

The University of Washington, located in Seattle, Washington, the heart of the high-tech Pacific Northwest, is one of the world’s leading universities, ranking No. 6 in Best Global Universities in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report (https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings). The College of Engineering and the ME Department foster a highly collegial and collaborative culture. Applications from women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans are strongly encouraged. We are committed to creating innovative and high-quality research and teaching programs that contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

The Mechanical Engineering department’s research and teaching portfolio covers all aspects of the broad field of mechanical engineering. The department currently has 39 full-time tenured, tenure track, research and teaching faculty, 600 undergraduates, 250 Master’s students, 150 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral researchers and continues to grow. More information about the ME department is available at http://www.me.washington.edu.

The base salary range for this position will be $8,245 to $11,133 per month ($98,935 to $133,591 annually), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

UW faculty demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and engage in teaching, research, and clinical service. UW faculty embrace the vision of excellence, collaboration, and integrity. Come join us in one of the most beautiful and exciting locations in the U.S. as we pursue our mission of creatively and durably improving health.

Applicants must have a PhD or a foreign equivalent doctorate degree in Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline. 

Applications should include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statements of research plans and educational experience and philosophy, and 4) a statement of how they have contributed to diversity, equity and inclusion at the previous institutions they have been affiliated with and how they plan to contribute to the UW’s efforts and goals in DEI. The applicant should also provide the names and contact information for at least three references and copies of their three most significant publications.

Review of applications will begin January 8, 2024, with applications accepted until the position is filled.