Ocean Career: ACEP Research Associate Professor of Marine Energy

PMEC Co-Director Position at University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the co-Director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC is a research consortium between UAF, the University of Washington (UW) and the Oregon State University (OSU) that was established in 2008 through competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

It has since expanded to include over $50M in research funding and over $240M for testing and affiliated test facilities through support from the Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, state agencies, and private corporations. PMEC's mission is to connect people to the power of the ocean by responsibly advancing marine energy by expanding scientific understanding, engaging stakeholders, and educating students.

This includes closing key gaps in scientific understanding, informing regulatory and policy decisions, and facilitating commercialization. At UAF, PMEC is a center within ACEP that includes multiple collaborators and students. PMEC works closely with a variety of stakeholders, including marine energy device developers, community members, ocean users, federal and state regulators, and government officials.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on Alaska's energy future and global energy solutions. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary research initiatives, develop partnerships with industry, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions, secure external funding, mentor students and researchers, and contribute to teaching and service. This position plays a key role in advancing ACEP's mission to develop practical energy solutions that benefit Alaska and communities worldwide.

At UAF, PMEC's research has a strong focus on applied research relevant to Alaska communities and that takes advantage of access to world class field-sites such as the Tanana River Test Site.

The PMEC Co-Director at UAF will work with the other PMEC co-Directors at UW and OSU, and other ACEP research programs and initiatives to lead PMEC with a clear vision, work effectively with university faculty, administration, and a broad range of external stakeholders to stimulate interdisciplinary research and service. The UAF PMEC co-Director will need to communicate effectively with federal funding agencies and federal and state legislators and staff and have strong team-building skills.

The co-Director will help maintain PMEC's leadership status in marine energy research, development, and testing, continue to expand and diversify PMEC's research capabilities and funding sources, and encourage marine energy industries to partner with PMEC. The UAF PMEC co-Director reports to the ACEP Director.

To thrive in this role, successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of securing competitive external funding, leading collaborative research programs, and building partnerships across academic, government, industry, and community sectors. They will possess strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills and be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders to advance research initiatives. Experience mentoring students and researchers, managing complex projects, and contributing to strategic planning efforts will be essential.

Candidates should be passionate about developing energy solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Alaska.

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a field relevant to marine renewable energy

Location:

Fairbanks, Alaska

Final date to receive applications:
August 24, 2026