Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Department boasts multiple world leaders in diverse fields of materials science, including electronic materials, glass science, nanotechnology, biomaterials, computational materials science, and materials informatics.

Founded in 1824, RPI is America’s first technological research university. RPI faculty and alumni include 85 members of the National Academy of Engineering, 17 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 8 members of the National Academy of Inventors, and 5 members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, as well as 6 National Medal of Technology winners, 5 National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With 7,000 students and nearly 100,000 living alumni, RPI is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century—to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world.

RPI is located near the beautiful confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers in Troy, New York. Under the visionary leadership of President Marty Schmidt and Provost Rebecca Doerge, RPI is poised for transformative growth and innovation. With RPI’s engagement, the City of Troy is undergoing buoyant commercial and cultural resurgence. Beyond Troy are the vibrant urban areas of the greater Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga—as well as the beautiful wilderness of the Adirondack region. 

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE in Troy, NY, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or tenured Associate Professor position in Materials Science and Engineering with expertise and potential in the broad area of bulk/thin film metallic materials. Example research foci and applications include nanoelectronics device wiring, packaging and integration, energy generation (e.g., nuclear, thermoelectric, wind, solar) and storage (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors), light-weight high-strength structures, alloy design, microstructure development, additive manufacturing, and environmental degradation. We will also consider exceptional candidates from other related areas.

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or a related field. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the potential and zest to develop and maintain an internationally recognized funded research program, actively contribute to the core graduate and undergraduate teaching mission of the department and the school, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.

MSE Faculty have access to world-class research facilities and an atmosphere that promotes interdisciplinary collaborations across many departments. The Center for Materials, Devices and Integrated Systems provides a complete set of centrally managed materials characterization facilities as well as an extensive clean room for device fabrication and characterization.

The New York State Center for Future Energy Systems conducts fundamental and applied research to accelerate the development of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. The Center for Computational Innovation and the Scientific Computation Research Center house one of the most powerful computers for AI applications - the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System (AiMOS). The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies and the Center for Engineering and Precision Medicine are engaged in both fundamental and translational biomedical research. The Future of Computing Institute and the Experimental Media and Performance Arts Center provide new and exciting opportunities to manipulate and experience data and cognitive computing.

For more information about MSE, visit: https://mse.rpi.edu/ Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Ganpati Ramanath, Chair of the search committee via email at ganapr@rpi.edu

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: 

• Assistant Professor: $95,000 - $120,000
• Associate Professor: $110,000 - $142,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile and contact information for four (4) references. Please be ready to upload:

(1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) research vision, projects and plans (up to 3 pages), (3) teaching and mentoring statement, (4) diversity statement, 

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be reviewed starting November 1, 2023. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.