Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering Posted: September 4, 2024 Position Code: 1141

Position Overview:

Merrimack College is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to contribute to the establishment of an outstanding regional research university. The School of Engineering and Computational Sciences invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Civil Engineering, beginning in Fall 2025. The successful candidate will pursue a research program focused on resilient infrastructure, establish an externally funded research agenda, contribute to the development of a new research center aimed at creating solutions to complex environmental problems in local communities, and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Merrimack College is committed to cultivating focused areas of research distinction, enabling faculty to make significant contributions in their respective fields. The successful candidate’s research efforts will be supported by the College’s new engineering and shared instrumentation facilities. As part of our strategic plan, the Agenda for the Future, we are on the path to achieving Carnegie R2 designation for high research productivity and have a vision to launch doctoral programs in applied engineering within the next five years, building on our recent success creating pathways to education for historically underrepresented students, growing our graduate and honors programs, and fostering experiential learning opportunities for our students.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will continue or develop an externally funded research program aimed at advancing impactful solutions to address resilient infrastructure in the context of climate change and ecological restoration, while contributing to teaching courses in civil engineering and design at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels. This is a full-time 9-month appointment that will be made at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, and the successful candidate will serve as a research leader at Merrimack, providing future mentorship to junior faculty seeking extramural research funding. Additionally, this role will involve participation in Merrimack’s distinctive student-focused, project-based curriculum. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a new research center focused on green infrastructure, climate resilience, and ecological restoration.

Key Areas of Research Interest:

Research in resilient infrastructure encompasses a wide range of innovative concepts and approaches. Examples of key areas of research focus include but are not limited to:

Next-Generation Sustainable Materials and Climate/Hazard Resilient Design and Standards: Developing sustainable, low-cost materials and design practices that can withstand climate change and natural hazards. Sustainable and Intelligent Transportation Solutions: Innovating transportation systems to enhance efficiency, eco-friendliness, safety, and sustainability. Cost-Effective Retrofitting and Adaptive Reuse: Implementing methods for retrofitting and adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and performance. Water Resource Management: Creating systems for sustainable water supply, distribution, and flood control, addressing issues of water scarcity and quality. Urban Resilience and Smart Cities: Designing urban environments that are resilient to social, economic, and environmental stresses, integrating smart city technologies to enhance quality of life. Disaster Preparedness and Response: Developing strategies and infrastructure to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made disasters.

These areas, together with innovative methods such as cradle-to-cradle modeling and simulation, are critical for advancing the field of civil engineering and contributing to the development of infrastructure that is robust, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges. At Merrimack, we see the opportunity to help our faculty apply such solutions to address real-world environmental and infrastructure issues facing local and regional communities.

What We Offer:

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive start-up package to support the establishment and growth of their research program. Merrimack College is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to enable faculty to achieve their research goals, including a robust Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to assist with extramural research. We also prioritize ongoing professional development to help our faculty stay at the forefront of their respective fields.

Join Our Mission:

Join us in our mission to create a research university that serves as a hub for innovation and knowledge creation. We believe in the power of research to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives to transform society. By focusing on the development of research clusters, labs, and research centers, we aim to foster collaboration and drive technological advancements that contribute to solving global challenges.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in civil engineering or a closely related field. Evidence of outstanding research productivity and/or potential, as demonstrated by publications, conference presentations, and grant submissions commensurate with career stage. A demonstrated commitment to the enhancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commitment to excellence in mentoring and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace or a strong commitment to do so at Merrimack.

Preferred Qualifications:

Record of extramural research funding commensurate with career stage. Experience advising, supervising, and mentoring culturally diverse undergraduate and graduate students. Research and teaching philosophies that align with Merrimack’s Augustinian mission and Agenda for the Future.

Application Materials Should Include:
Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:

Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Curriculum vitae. A research plan discussing relevant experience in resilient infrastructure, strategy for grant applications and management, and a vision for future research and center development. Teaching philosophy, including a discussion of the applicant’s commitment to our Augustinian mission, values, and desire to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution of higher education. At least two scholarly publications.

For questions related to application submission, please contact Dr. Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Computational Sciences at (978) 837-5042.

Applications received by October 11th will receive full consideration.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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