Assistant Professor-Robotics, AI, Machine Learning

Application Process:

Click “Apply Now” and login or create an applicant profile. Complete the application and upload the following required documents:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.


2. Curriculum vitae.


3. A statement describing your research and scholarly activities, future directions, and broader impacts.


4. A statement describing your teaching and mentoring practices.


5. A statement of how your combined professional and academic experiences have equipped you to make a valuable contribution to the COE Complete Engineer ® Program (engineering.unl.edu/complete-engineer).


6. A list of at least three (3) professional references including contact information.

The statements for items 3, 4, and 5 together should total no more than six (6) pages. The statements and references can be uploaded as "Additional Documents."

Job Summary:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) — a land grant, Big Ten, and R1 institution — invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at assistant professor rank. ECE offers a collegial and collaborative culture, supporting broad interdisciplinary research with other units across our campus. We invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level who can establish a strong scholarly research and teaching program in, but not limited to, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. Candidates whose expertise bridges foundational theory with real-world ECE-related applications are especially encouraged to apply. The position begins Fall 2026.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites exceptional candidates whose research advances autonomous systems, intelligent and adaptive robotics, machine learning theory and applications, or related areas aligned with modern AI-driven ECE innovation.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a high-impact, externally funded research program; publish in premier venues; integrate research with graduate and undergraduate teaching; and mentor students at all levels. The position also includes participation in departmental, college, and university governance; contribution to curriculum development; and engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations across campus and with industry, government, and national laboratory partners.

About Us:

Department Overview

Across its two campuses, City Campus in Lincoln and Scott Campus in Omaha, the ECE department boasts over 30 faculty members, more than 500 undergraduate students, and nearly 100 graduate students. Faculty are engaged in a wide range of research areas, including embedded systems, microelectronics and integrated circuits, etchable and flexible electronics, computer vision, AI/ML, cybersecurity, robotics, wireless communication and networks, image/signal processing, nanotechnology, bioinformatics and biomedical engineering, power and energy systems, and electromagnetics and optics. ECE has been an educational leader within the COE and in the state of Nebraska, with two ABET accredited undergraduate degree programs in electrical engineering and computer engineering, four graduate degree programs, as well as two interdisciplinary graduate degree programs. ECE is also a contributor to the $25 million Heartland Robotics Cluster.

College Growth

The ECE department plays a key role in advancing COE’s ambitious research goals, supported by cutting-edge facilities, including a $75M research building and a $115M engineering education building opened in 2024. COE is dedicated to delivering a world-class engineering education, including its unique Complete Engineer® Program. Additionally, UNL COE was one of the first three institutions in the nation to receive the ASEE Diversity Recognition Program Silver Award. We are seeking an innovative leader with a vision for growth and a strong commitment to advancing research, education, and engagement in the ECE department.

About Us continued:

About UNL, Lincoln, and Omaha

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is Nebraska’s land-grant research university, is a member of the Big Ten, and ranks among Doctoral Universities with the Highest Research Activity [Carnegie CIHE]. As the state’s flagship institution, UNL plays a key role in the research and innovation landscape within the region and leverages the department’s co-location in Lincoln and Omaha. The city of Omaha, the largest metropolitan area in Nebraska, is a rising tech hub in the Midwest. Lincoln, the state capital, is also part of a growing high-tech region known as the ‘Midwest Silicon Prairie’. Taking advantage of both communities, UNL offers a vibrant, welcoming, family-friendly community with a strong economy, excellent public school systems, a modest cost of living, and a high quality of life. Learn more about life in Lincoln and Omaha at placetobelnk.com, aboutlincoln.unl.edu, and visitomaha.com.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field by the start date of the appointment.


• Demonstrated research expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or closely related areas.


• Evidence of high scholarly productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications).


• Potential to establish and sustain an externally funded research program.


• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the development and offering of innovative undergraduate and graduate courses.


• Potential to contribute to curriculum innovation and program development in robotics, AI, or machine learning.


• Experience collaborating on interdisciplinary research teams or with industry, federal agencies, or national laboratories.