DescriptionThe University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) seeks highly qualified research faculty candidates at any rank in robotics and automation. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary collaboration focused on building construction to improve affordability, productivity, energy efficiency, and resilience. Potential research interests include, but are not limited to:
- Study the interaction and co-work between robots and people in the construction setting.
- Develop automation and robotics technologies for industrialized mass customization to maximize productivity, affordability, quality, and safety across the construction lifecycle.
- Develop and integrate onsite and offsite processes for the high-performance materials, component assembly, and whole building assembly that are being developed under the Buildings CRI. These activities will include robotic and automated manufacturing and automated quality assurance and quality control.
- Develop automatic and optimization processes to standardize and integrate onsite and offsite construction and industrialized mass customization in close collaboration with researchers from the Buildings CRI.
This position will be associated with the UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute's Advanced Manufacturing for Affordable Building Construction Convergent Research Initiative (Buildings CRI), a collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee. The Buildings CRI aims to transform the building industry through cutting-edge research in robotics, automation, advanced materials, and streamlined construction processes. At full strength, the Buildings CRI will recruit ~20 new investigators at ORNL and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). The Buildings CRI supports its interdisciplinary researchers by offering networking opportunities with fellow researchers and construction sector stakeholders, facilitating collaborative experiments and proposal development, providing mentorship from senior CRI researchers at ORNL and UT, and offering tailored professional development opportunities.
Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program with interdisciplinary connections across the CRI network at UT and ORNL.
- Contribute building and construction expertise to collaborative studies on the transition of the building construction industry.
- Interface with UT-ORII programs to support the UT-ORII Buildings CRI's mission and goals.
- Build partnerships and collaborations through the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), Institute for Energy and Environment (IEE) gateway, Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, the Tickle College of Engineering, the School of Architecture, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and current and future partners.
As a UT-ORII research faculty member, the successful candidate will collaborate with designated UT departments and researchers as well as ORNL researchers to address current and future affordability, productivity, energy-efficiency, and resilience requirements for buildings. This includes conducting research, preparing and submitting proposals, supporting existing research projects, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Qualifications- PhD or terminal degree in Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- A track record of publishing and seeking funding.
- Collaborative research experience in areas supporting UT-ORII's Buildings CRI mission.
- Demonstrated research track record supporting the candidate's potential to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program aligned with UT-ORII's mission and goals.
- A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, though collaboration with more senior investigators is also encouraged.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- This position requires the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Additional Information- This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
- The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
- The primary work location for this position is on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville and may include visits to collaborator sites on the campuses of ORNL and UTK.
- The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual increase in expected external salary funding in subsequent years.
- The applicant will be expected to recruit graduate students by year three.
- A competitive startup package including funds for graduate students and equipment will be offered.
- Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience.
- Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.
- The candidate must be eligible for initial clearance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Application Instructions Application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/191960
Application reviews will begin October 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications must include:
(1) a letter of interest
(2) a comprehensive curriculum vitae
(3) research plan
(4) 3 Professional References including names, addresses, and telephone numbers
