"Assistant Professor in Physical AI Systems"

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position from early career academic researchers working in emerging applications of AI in Mechanical Engineering.

The ideal applicant will have a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics with a specialization in Physical AI. This role offers the opportunity to move beyond traditional design and directly integrate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence algorithms into complex real-world mechanical and electromechanical systems.

A successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the deep expertise required to develop and apply AI algorithms that interact directly with physical systems. This specialization is centered on the practical challenge of fusing AI with machinery to enable intelligent action, enhanced performance, and optimization. The application areas for this role include, but are not limited to, domains where mechanical precision meets intelligent systems:

• Energy Systems: Apply their knowledge of thermal and kinetic systems to deploy AI for predictive maintenance on rotating machinery, optimize grid performance, manage renewable energy integration, and dramatically increase the efficiency of energy conversion processes.
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Design and implement robust AI control architectures (including advanced topics like deep reinforcement learning) for precise motion planning, complex manipulation, and sophisticated sensing/navigation in dynamic, unstructured environments—the essence of next-generation robotics.
• Uncrewed Systems: Leverage their understanding of vehicle dynamics to develop the core intelligence for autonomous aerial, ground, or underwater platforms. This involves mastering sensor fusion, real-time decision-making, and engineering robust fault detection and recovery mechanisms critical for physical safety.
• Smart Manufacturing Systems: Advance production lines by implementing AI for automated quality control, optimizing process flows to minimize wear and waste, detecting anomalies in real-time, and driving the creation of fully adaptable, next-generation smart factories.

The candidate's technical skill set must seamlessly bridge: Control Theory and System Dynamics, Machine Learning, Sensor Technology and Data Analytics, Mechanical/Electromechanical Design.

Ultimately, the individual will serve as the vital link, translating abstract AI concepts into reliable, high-performance physical systems that define the future of mechanical engineering.

The successful applicant will:

• be appointed to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor;
• become a researcher affiliated with the UVic SeAIR Aspirations Research Cluster.
• contribute to the design and delivery of course based curricula for the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria offers Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degree programs. ... Information on the Department.

The UVic SeAIR (Society Engaged AI and Robotics) Aspirations research cluster ... .

The successful candidate will:

• hold (or be on the verge of completing) a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering discipline;
• be a registered professional engineer in Canada, or be eligible to apply for registration with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (www.egbc.ca);
• have clear ideas and aspirations to contribute to the Mechanical Engineering Department’s drive to increase the diversity of our student population and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all;
• possess excellent communication skills with an ability to communicate research vision, methods, rationale and impacts across a diverse array of audiences; and
• demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate engineering education as evidenced by: potential for excellence in teaching courses related to the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering disciplines, and, an inclusive approach to mentoring and supervising diverse students both in classroom and in research environments.

The candidate’s qualifications, experience, overall market demand and rank will determine a final salary offer. Industry experience is an asset. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of $115,000 - $142,000. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves and pension plan.

Candidates should submit a single PDF document that includes:

1. a cover letter providing an overview of the candidate’s qualifications and how their research experience would complement the position as described;
2. a detailed curriculum vitae;
3. a max 2-page description of the candidate’s proposed research program;
4. a max 1-page description of the candidate’s teaching experience and philosophy;
5. a max 1-page statement on how a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion would be embodied in the teaching and research activities. In forming their EDI statement, applicants are asked to refer to the Equity Action Plan, particularly its 5 universal goals, and elaborate on how they would build and lead a diverse research team that champions inclusivity, ensures that all members have opportunity to reach their full potential and works to create opportunities for meaningful collaborations across the UVic campus.
6. contact information for four referees.

To be considered, please submit your application package via email to: mech.asst.chair@uvic.ca with the subject line “Physical AI Systems: Asst Prof. position” by 1 May 2026. Applications should be addressed to: Dr. Brad Buckham