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FACULTY POSITION in Music Technology
in Mechanical Engineering and Music and Theater Arts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Mechanical Engineering together with the Department of Music and Theater Arts seeks candidates for tenure-track faculty positions in Music Technology to start July 1, 2023, or on a mutually agreed date thereafter. The search is for candidates to be hired at the assistant professor level; under special circumstances, however, an untenured associate or senior faculty appointment is possible, commensurate with experience.

Music Technology is an exciting field aimed at studying, discovering, and developing new approaches to:

1. Computational models of music
2. Interaction and performance systems
3. Conceptual and perceptual modeling
4. Artistic expression
5. Tool creation for music applications

Advancing the field of Music Technology relies on innovative and integrated research efforts in creative arts, design, acoustics, sensors and actuators, robotics, hardware systems, modeling, computation, and/or machine learning. This search seeks candidates deeply engaged with music who embrace a “with hand and mind” philosophy, and have expertise in applying principles of mechanical engineering to music technology. Topics include but are not limited to:

1. Modeling and design for music technology
2. Physics-based approaches to understand and develop musical instruments
3. Integration of sensors, actuators, and advanced materials to performance systems
4. Estimation theory and control for music technology
5. Robotic musical systems and human interactions
6. Design and modeling of integrated media systems
7. Acoustics, signal processing, and computer graphics for musical devices and performance systems
8. Immersive audio or audio-visual environments and enhanced reality
9. Machine learning for the design and manufacturing of musical instruments
10. Mechanics and artificial intelligence for embedded music systems

Candidates should contribute to interdisciplinary research in science and engineering for Music Technology by combining mechanical engineering areas such as sensing, modeling, acoustics, computing, design, physical systems, devices, robotics, materials, and sustainable manufacturing, with fundamental expertise and passion in music areas such as musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory and composition, music performance and improvisation, electronic music, and music production.

The Departments of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) and of Music and Theater Arts (MTA) are committed to fostering interdisciplinary research. We seek candidates who will provide inspiration and leadership in research, contribute proactively to both undergraduate and graduate level teaching in MechE and MTA, and add to the diversity of the academic community, including interactions with existing music maker spaces and efforts in music performance systems, modeling, and computing at MIT. The successful candidate would have an appointment in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Music and Theater Arts. This position is part of a larger effort across MIT to hire a cohort of faculty in Music Technology.

Faculty Duties:

1. Teaching and developing course materials at the undergraduate and graduate levels
2. Advising students
3. Conducting original scholarly research
4. Performing service at the Institute

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in a field related to Engineering, Music, Arts, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a similar discipline by the beginning of employment. Positions available in the Mechanical Engineering department are provided at https://meche.mit.edu/faculty-positions.

Application Requirements:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. 2–3 pages statement highlighting how their research and music training contribute to Music Technology and Mechanical Engineering
4. Statement regarding views on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
5. Copies of no more than three publications
6. Four letters of recommendation

This information must be entered electronically at: https://faculty-searches.mit.edu/meche/register.tcl by January 1, 2023, when the review of applications will begin.

MIT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT’s full policy on Nondiscrimination can be found at https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/90-relations-and-responsibilities-within-mit-community/93-nondiscrimination.