How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume.  The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department seeks a Research Area Specialist Lead to work in close collaboration with Dr. David Singer and his research team. The Research Area Specialist may work on a variety of projects at the discretion of Professor Singer based on current project needs. The ideal candidate will facilitate in designing and carrying out research in a variety of areas and experience in enabling data proxies, utilizing multilayer networks, and statistical physics.

Mission Statement

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people first future. Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/ .

Who We Are

The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NAME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 25 faculty and 11 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control, and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. Our Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin continues to serve as a vital resource for our department. NAME's externally sponsored research expenditures have averaged around $10 million annually in the past five years.

Responsibilities*

• Conducts Research in the area of Enabling Data Proxies, Utilizing Multilayer Networks, and Statistical Physics.
• In collaboration with Dr. David Singer and his research team, the ideal candidate coordinates and manages projects as a lead researcher on one or more research projects.
• Responsible for administrative, financial, personnel and planning aspects of project. 
• Designs instrumentation, theoretical models, equipment or other vehicles for data gathering and analysis. 
• Investigates, modifies and applies new procedures, techniques or applications of technology, integrating new findings in field of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. 
• Has oversight for development of data collection instruments.
• Monitors integrity of data collection and use of protocols and procedures; conducts data analysis. 
• Participates in writing research proposals, reports for funding agencies and articles for publication. 
• Presents results of study at professional meetings and other forums. 
• Has oversight for researchers and staff engaged in day-to-day operations. 
• Collaborates with other researchers on long-range plans for project/program, acting as expert in specialized area. 
• Administers programs for visiting scholars, researchers and fellows. 
• Monitors expenditures of funds and grants. 
• Will collaborate on new curricular offerings and course instruction.

Required Qualifications*

• Doctorate degree is required, preferably within one of the related fields - such as mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and civil engineering; computer science, robotics, or autonomy - whose work is relevant to Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering will be fully considered.
• Two to three years of related research experience is required.
• Proficient in collaborating and communicating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Detail oriented individual, capable of managing complex projects while in the midst of overlapping deadlines.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office are expected.
• Ability to assess, compare and evaluate various different courses of action to make important decisions within the scope of one's job, without the need for immediate guidance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to use available resources to independently complete tasks.

Desired Qualifications*

Key desired traits of the ideal candidate are:

• Ability to work independently and as a successful lead of the research team. 
• Must be a quick-learner, capable of contributing ideas to communications and organizational activities. 
• Ability to interact effectively and collaborate with others in carrying out projects, whether working in the same location or collaborating with remote partners.
• The ideal candidate understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion, as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.

Work Schedule

The University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work.   Schedule will vary based upon research activity. 

Additional Information

Please Note: This is a one year term limited position with the possibility of renewal based upon the availability of sponsored funding.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Selection Process

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.