Research Professor - Electrified Transportation Systems and Infrastructure

Location: El Paso, TX Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Fri Jul 17 2026 Job Description:

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) seeks an outstanding scholar and leader to advance high-impact research within the NSF ASPIRE Engineering Research Center (ERC), a fourth-generation NSF Engineering Research Center focused on intelligent infrastructure and systems at the transportation-grid edge. ASPIRE advances wireless charging technologies, intelligent transportation systems, cybersecurity, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable transportation future. As a core ASPIRE institution and with support from the University of Texas Board of Regents, UTEP seeks to recruit an outstanding research faculty member to expand interdisciplinary research, foster strategic partnerships, and advance the deployment of transportation electrification and infrastructure technologies across Texas, the Southwest, and beyond.

The University of Texas at El Paso seeks a highly qualified research professor to join the College of Engineering. With support from the University of Texas System Board of Regents, UTEP seeks to recruit an outstanding research leader to advance research in transportation electrification, electric vehicle infrastructure, and intelligent transportation systems. The successful candidate will help expand UTEP's leadership within the NSF ASPIRE Engineering Research Center by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening strategic partnerships, and accelerating the deployment and adoption of electrified transportation technologies across Texas and the Southwest region.

The successful candidate will develop and lead a nationally recognized research program focused on high-technology readiness level (TRL) research, demonstration, validation, and deployment activities that advance ASPIRE's mission. The faculty member will collaborate with researchers across ASPIRE partner institutions, industry members, utilities, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders to accelerate the transition of transportation electrification technologies from research to real-world implementation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance high-TRL transportation electrification research within one of the nation's premier engineering research centers while leveraging a broad network of universities, industry, and government partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an internationally recognized research program in transportation electrification and related fields.
• Lead high-TRL research, demonstration, validation, and deployment activities aligned with the ASPIRE mission.
• Pursue and secure extramural funding from federal, state, and private-sector sources.
• Build partnerships with industry, utilities, transportation agencies, national laboratories, and community stakeholders in partnership with ASPIRE.
• Collaborate with ASPIRE researchers across participating institutions.
• Mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Support workforce development and community engagement initiatives.

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements

An earned doctorate in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Materials Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related field. Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, external funding success, ecosystem stakeholder engagement, and strong leadership and communication skills. Experience in validation, prototyping, demonstration, integration, and transition to operational use of technology.

Preferred Qualifications

National or international recognition in a relevant field; experience leading multidisciplinary research programs; experience with federally funded research centers or public-private partnerships; commitment to mentoring; and a strong network of research, industry, and government collaborators.

Additional Information

Salary and benefits are highly competitive and commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank. UTEP offers an attractive compensation package and significant opportunities for research growth and leadership.

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, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at [email protected], or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at [email protected].

To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.