The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for an open rank tenured or tenure-track faculty position in intelligent mining systems and automation. Areas of specific interest include, but are not limited to: mine systems, optimization and digitization; autonomous mining; robotics and intelligent machines; artificial intelligence and machine learning for mining applications; digital twins; human-machine interaction; analytics and real-time decision-making. We seek an innovative and collaborative scholar who will contribute to the department’s collegial, interdisciplinary environment and strengthen its longstanding excellence in fundamental and applied research, education, and engagement with the mining industry. Highly qualified and distinguished applicants may be eligible for a named professorship that will provide salary and operational support.
The Virginia Tech Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering has long-established excellence in the field, including two current and former National Academy of Engineering members and several top ranked global scholars. The recently renovated Holden Hall, the long-term home of the department, provides state-of-the-art facilities for department personnel, including the Autonomous Mining Arena. The department also enjoys close partnership with industry, and currently convenes the Built for the Mine partnership, an education and research-oriented collective that includes 12 leading mining technology companies and producers. The department currently has nearly 20 tenure-line, instructional, and research faculty members and is home to over 120 undergraduate and graduate students. The department’s teaching, research, and operations are centered around core values that include Technical Excellence, Leadership, Community, and Resilient Creativity.
Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu. Application materials include a cover letter, CV, up to three relevant research publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. In addition, applicants must provide a research statement and a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy (up to 3 pages each). Review of applications will commence on November 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Nino Ripepi (nripepi@vt.edu).
