Research Assistant Prof. in Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor & Robotic Engr

Location: El Paso, TX Category: Engineering Posted On: Thu Dec 18 2025

The Department of Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering (IMSE) at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for two non-tenure-track Research Assistant Professors in AI for Semiconductor Manufacturing and/or AI Robotics. Focus areas include yield/defect causal analysis and XAI; process-variation monitoring and root-cause analysis; intelligent scheduling/dispatching for WIP/throughput (multi-objective, real-time) and supply-chain optimization;
PdM and RUL with health monitoring; digital twins/smart factories, cross-site transfer and federated/edge learning; uncertainty estimation and calibration (e.g., conformal prediction, risk-aware decisions); and robotics for fabs?

AMR planning/tasking, robotic vision & multimodal perception, wafer/FOUP/tool handling, and RL/Sim2

Real.

The successful candidate will join a growing and dynamic department, contributing to research and service in alignment with UTEP's mission as an R1 institution and a Hispanic-serving university.

• Research:
  Lead and collaborate on topics in yield and defect causal analysis, intelligent scheduling & multi-objective optimization (real-time dispatching under dynamic constraints), Virtual Metrology (VM), predictive maintenance (PdM) & remaining useful life (RUL), digital twins / smart manufacturing, and uncertainty calibration & trustworthy AI (e.g., conformal prediction).
• AI Robotics in Fabs:
  Apply perception, planning, and control to cleanroom logistics (AMR/AGV), vision-based inspection, equipment upkeep, and safe human-robot collaboration.
• Funding & Industry: Co-lead or lead proposals (NSF/DOE/DoD, state, industry); execute PoCs and tech transfer with foundries, equipment/materials/metrology vendors.
• Data & Platforms:
  Establish robust data governance and MLOps pipelines; develop reusable algorithms and prototype systems (including robotics perception/planning stacks).
• Mentoring:
  Supervise MS/PhD students; co-author high-impact publications.
• Service:
  Support program development, workshops/symposia, and departmental needs (including ABET support as appropriate).

A Ph.D. in Manufacturing Engineering or related fields, including Industrial, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. Demonstrated expertise in machine learning/deep learning and software development (Python; PyTorch/Tensor Flow). Peer-reviewed publications and strong scientific writing skills; ability to draft competitive research proposals. Demonstrated potential for establishing an extramurally funded research program. Excellent communication skills.

• AI Robotics: ROS/ROS2, Python, perception (CV/multimodal), motion/task planning, control & safety, simulation (Gazebo/Isaac Sim), and edge deployment.
• Semiconductor manufacturing experience (front-/back-end, metrology/inspection, equipment maintenance, yield-improvement projects).
• Digital twin, IIoT, MLOps, real-time data streaming, edge computing.
• Causal/XAI, Bayesian methods, reinforcement learning, multi-objective optimization (mathematical programming, heuristics/meta-heuristics).
• Proven success as PI/co-PI or primary writer on large proposals (e.g., NSF/DOE/DoD/state/industry), and/or prior experience writing/executing Other Country NSTC/MOST grants or similar programs.
• Experience in course design, supervising students, and leading hands‑on projects.

Hiring decisions are based on budget approval.

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,…