The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University is pleased to announce an opening for the Charles E. Schmidt Eminent Scholar. We are seeking an internationally known researcher in any emerging research area of high interest to the State of Florida and the nation. These areas include but are not limited to marine research, renewable energy, environmental research with long-term sustainability, biosciences/bioengineering, and nanotechnology.

Candidates are expected to have an international reputation in their respective fields as evidenced by publications, citations and peer recognition. A current and substantive record of acquiring external resources to support research as well as an established record of sponsored research and scholarly activities is necessary. This successful candidate will form the foundation of a new leading edge and world-class research program in the department. The holder of the Charles E. Schmidt Eminent Scholar position will be expected to establish research collaborations with other researchers at Florida Atlantic University. All qualified Associate and Full professors, as well as other research professionals are encouraged to apply for this position. The appointment will be at the full-professor rank. An appropriate start-up package will be provided.

Applicants for the position must have earned a doctorate in Ocean or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field that contributes to the strategic initiatives of the department and the college. The department has a strong research and educational background in autonomous marine vehicles, robotics and controls, underwater acoustic transmission, imaging and communication, materials (nanoscale, composites, and corrosion), fatigue and fracture, acoustical and physical oceanography, helicopter dynamics, hydrodynamics and acoustics of marine vehicles, alternative energy (solar, wind and ocean), combustion, and structures. The departmental research facilities are located in the main campus at Boca Raton and in Dania Beach in a state-of-the-art research facility called SeaTech. We are seeking candidates who will complement the existing research activities at the department, college, and the university. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop research collaborations with various FAU centers of excellence and affiliated institutions including the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC), Scripps Research Institute (Scripps Florida), and Max Planck Florida Institute.

The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering consists of twenty two faculty members from diverse backgrounds who are committed to excellence in research and education. The department has a thriving undergraduate population of approximately 600 students and a graduate student population of 100 (65 MS and 35 PhD). Details of department and college research activities can be obtained at the department’s and college’s websites.

The beautiful city of Boca Raton, called a city for all seasons, is the home of the main campus of Florida Atlantic University. The city, located in Palm Beach County, South Florida, has an excellent school system and is a scenic and exciting town with easy access to diverse cultural activities. Boca Raton boasts a strong, diverse economy that is grounded in high tech industry, tourism, finance, and healthcare. Boca Raton’s location makes it uniquely suitable for outdoor recreational activities.

All applicants must complete the Faculty, Administrative, Managerial & Professional Position Application form available on-line through the office of Human Resources and apply for the currently posted position (#980043). Please upload online, at the above address, the complete application package including a cover letter, a statement of teaching and research goals, a detailed resume, and names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three references. Screening of applications will begin December 1 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is Fall of 2012. A background check will be required for the candidate selected for this position. For assistance and other information regarding this position, contact Mrs. Laura Thornton via e-mail at thornton@fau.edu or phone at 561–297–6446,  (1-800-955-8771 TTY). Florida Atlantic University takes pride in having a diverse population of students and faculty and is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. All minorities and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.