Associate Specialist/Specialist (Engineering Faculty Position)

Description

Title: Associate Specialist/Specialist (Engineering Faculty Position)

Position Number: Pending

Hiring Unit: College of Engineering

Location: UH Hilo

Date Posted: 12/11/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Salary Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Monthly Type: 11 Month

Tenure Track: Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Funding: General Funds

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) College of Engineering (COE) invites applications for a full-time, general fund, tenure track, faculty position at the Associate Specialist or Specialist level, pending position clearance and availability of funds, to begin August 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of faculty representing the core for a new Engineering Support Center serving ground-based astronomy in Hawaii. The position will also contribute to research, teaching and service relevant to the Engineering Support Center, and will be appointed by the Dean to serve in an at-will capacity as Program Lead for the Center (to be reviewed annually for reappointment).

UHM has embarked on a Space Science and Engineering Initiative to broaden the university's capabilities, to take advantage of Hawaii's unique geographical and cultural positioning in the world, and to more actively participate in the continually growing fields of ground-based astronomy and space flight and exploration. In order to more specifically support ground-based astronomy activities and operations in Hawaii, the College of Engineering is recruiting up to ten faculty positions starting in Fall 2024: up to five in Honolulu (on the UH Manoa campus) and up to five in Hilo (at the UH Hilo campus). As part of an on-going faculty hiring plan for a newly approved Engineering Support Center located at the Institute for Astronomy (IfA), this initial cohort of faculty team members will provide operational and research expertise for the Engineering Support Center in direct support of ground-based activities for observatory operations including, but not limited to, additive manufacturing and prototyping, electronics, cryogenic systems, mechanical systems and servo/controls, optics, adaptive optics, semiconductor optical detectors, photonics, software, and instrumentation.

This significant, large-scale initiative places an emphasis on a collaborative approach to both research and education, focusing on hands-on-learning, teamwork, complementary technical expertise, and system-level multidisciplinary thinking. It will serve to expand Hawaii's local high-tech workforce by utilizing and leveraging existing observatory facilities on Maunakea and Haleakala as platforms for new instrumentation and technology development, facility innovation, and proving grounds for operational upgrades and advancement. The cohort, under the leadership of this position, will serve as a dedicated engineering team to develop technical proposals, write grant applications, and perform engineering design tasks both at UHM facilities as well as the new Engineering Support Center on the UH Hilo (UHH) campus. Additionally, the faculty cohort will develop and deliver courses of importance in relevant disciplines to UHM and/or UHH.

The successful candidate will have access to well-equipped laboratories and machine shop facilities. Available computer facilities are extensive, including the Maui High-Performance Computing Center and state-of-the-art multimedia computer instructional laboratories.

Progress and success of the individual in the position will be measured not only by their own accomplishments, but by their contributions to the success of the overall team and of the Engineering Support Center, as well.

The University of Hawaii is a Carnegie R1 doctoral university with a strong emphasis on research and graduate education. The College of Engineering offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and their undergraduate programs are ABET accredited. For more information on the COE, including program-specific enrollment, please visit our website at www.eng.hawaii.edu.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa campus is dedicated to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, a place that is responsive to Native Hawaiians and reflective of Indigenous Hawai'i where all can learn, grow, connect, and heal. UH Manoa is also a designated Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Associate Specialist/Specialist (faculty position):

• Develop an externally funded research program in direct support of the Engineering Support Center, in collaboration with other Engineering Support Center faculty. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop their own independent research portfolio.

• Conducting and publishing research work in leading scholarly journals as a record of scholarly activity.

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in or related to mechanical and/or electrical and computer engineering, and teaching via various distance delivery modes as required. Courses taught at UHH will primarily focus on pre-engineering pathway courses and may include but not be limited to introductory chemistry and physics, calculus, statics and dynamics, and introductory circuits and electronics.

• Serving as chair or member of committees in charge of candidates for advanced degrees.

• Participating in curriculum development activities including the development of curricular materials and special instructional methods.

• Supervising independent study activities.

• Serving as academic advisor to students.

• Serving on departmental, college, and university committees.

• Rendering service to the professional or lay community which is relevant to the individual's academic specialty.

• Engage with and support the Akamai internship programs administered by UC Observatories in collaboration with UH Hilo and the UH Institute for Astronomy.

• Support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other underrepresented populations in Engineering.

• Participate in initiatives towards the creation of place-based/Hawaii-based curricula to impact general engineering knowledge.

• Participate in implementing the Native Hawaiian principles from the UH Manoa Strategic Plan.

• Performing related tasks as assigned.

While appointed as Program Lead (in addition to Associate Specialist / Specialist duties above):

• Lead, mentor and oversee the functions of a multi-disciplinary team in a productive and collaborative manner by serving as team lead as well as a team member for projects/tasks relevant to the mission of the Engineering Support Center.

• Work with the COE Dean and IfA Director in consultation with Center faculty in developing the vision and direction of the Engineering Support Center in support of ground-based astronomy and other economic sectors in Hawaii that may benefit from the expertise of the Center and its facilities.

• Manage resource allocation, track progress of directed projects, oversee day-to-day work operations and priorities, and assist with other administrative tasks as necessary for successful operation of the Engineering Support Center.

• Serve as the primary interface with other University leadership associated with the Space Science and Engineering initiative as well as with community stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications for Associate Specialist (faculty position):

• An earned Ph.D. in mechanical or electrical engineering, or a closely related field, from a university of recognized standing.

• Minimum four years of relevant experience past the doctoral degree, including two years directly related to working with and leading a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assigned activities, including the work of assistants when appropriate.

• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators as necessary.

• Expertise in emerging research areas directly related to supporting ground-based astronomy or other sectors of high precision manufacturing, testing, and commissioning of equipment and instrumentation.

• Demonstrated scholarly achievement, evidenced by a track record of conducting research and publishing scholarly materials, in an area pertinent to the mission of the ground-based astronomy Engineering Support Center, and commensurate with faculty rank of Associate Specialist.

• Demonstrated ability to teach graduate courses in area of specialty, as well as undergraduate courses in or related to engineering and a strong commitment to mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including students from different backgrounds with diverse life experiences and learning styles.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage successfully in a culturally- and ethnically-diverse environment.

• Willingness to learn about, develop and implement Native Hawaiian, Indigenous, and/or place-based principles into curriculum, programming, and work culture.

Minimum Qualifications for Specialist (faculty position):

• An earned Ph.D. in mechanical or electrical engineering, or a closely related field, from a university of recognized standing.

• Minimum four years of relevant experience at the Associate level or equivalent, including at least two years directly related to working with and leading a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assigned activities, including the work of assistants when appropriate.

• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators as necessary.

• Proven ability to independently conduct research or to carry out major projects.

• Expertise in emerging research areas directly related to supporting ground-based astronomy or other sectors of high precision manufacturing, testing, and commissioning of equipment and instrumentation.

• Demonstrated scholarly achievement, evidenced by a track record of conducting research and publishing scholarly materials, in an area pertinent to the mission of the ground-based astronomy Engineering Support Center, and commensurate with faculty rank of Specialist.

• Demonstrated ability to teach graduate courses in area of specialty, as well as undergraduate courses in or related to engineering and a strong commitment to mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including students from different backgrounds with diverse life experiences and learning styles.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage successfully in a culturally- and ethnically-diverse environment.

• Willingness to learn about, develop and implement Native Hawaiian, Indigenous, and/or place-based principles into curriculum, programming, and work culture.

Desirable Qualifications for Associate Specialist and for Specialist (faculty position):

• Knowledge and experience in Systems engineering.

• Research emphasis applicable to or experience with Hawai'i and/or the Asian/Pacific region.

• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

• Ability to recruit, retain, and graduate Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or other underrepresented populations in Engineering.

Inquiries:

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Steve Durbin, Associate Dean of Engineering (durbin@hawaii.edu).

To Apply:

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents to the online application. The applicants should submit:

(1) a cover letter specifying the position and the research area including a general statement of how their research interest aligns with the purpose of the faculty cohort and the Engineering Support Center;

(2) a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

(3) a curriculum vitae detailing research and teaching accomplishments;

(4) Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies accepted, however, official transcripts will be required upon hire);

(5) copies of up to three relevant publications;

(6) the names, addresses, e-mail, and telephone numbers of up to 4 references.

NOTE: If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, you will need to create an account. The maximum file size to upload/attach is 10 MB. If the attachment is larger than 10 MB, please split the file and upload it as a supplemental attachment.

EEO/AA, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

Agency University of Hawaii

Website http://workatuh.hawaii.edu