Director, AMISTAR Center

Position: Associate or Full Professor, Director, Advanced Materials and Intelligent Systems Technological Applications Research (AMISTAR) Center

School: School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

Division: Engineering

Institution: Merrimack College

Location: North Andover, MA

Appointment Type: Full-time; 12-month administrative appointment with Associate or Full Professor faculty appointment

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026

Reports to: Vice President of Research (Center Director role) and Academic Dean, Engineering (faculty role)

Merrimack College is excited to announce an opportunity to contribute to the institution’s evolution into an outstanding regional research university. The School of Engineering and Computational Sciences invites applications for the inaugural Director of the Advanced Materials and Intelligent Systems Technological Applications Research (AMISTAR) Center, a high-impact, interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing technological breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Materials. The AMISTAR Center will be a key driver of the College’s strategy to support regional economic growth, applied innovation, and future-forward workforce development.

The AMISTAR Center represents Merrimack College’s bold investment in frontier science and innovation. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to lead the development of a collaborative research enterprise that directly contributes to the technological, economic, and workforce needs of New England and the nation. As Director, you will have the opportunity to build research infrastructure, shape policy partnerships, and mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists in one of the most dynamic innovation corridors in the country.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a cutting-edge research enterprise from its inception—building the scientific agenda, recruiting research teams, securing funding, and elevating Merrimack’s profile in critical emerging technologies.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary and start-up package to facilitate the growth of their research program at Merrimack College, which is located 25 miles north of Boston and has collaborations with a variety of institutions in the metro Boston area. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to enable our faculty to achieve their research goals and contribute to developing a cutting-edge research environment, including a robust Office of Sponsored Programs to support extramurally funded research. We also prioritize ongoing professional development to help our faculty remain at the forefront of their respective fields.

Join Our Mission

Join us in our mission to create a research university that serves as a hub for innovation and applied impact. We believe in the transformative power of research to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives. By focusing on the development of research clusters, labs, and research centers, we aim to foster collaboration, drive technological advancements, and contribute to solving global challenges. The School of Engineering and Computational Sciences is a dynamic and growing school focused on preparing students for careers in technology and innovation. The Division of Engineering is deeply invested in emerging fields, and this position will play a critical role in advancing our commitment to interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and societal impact.

Position Overview

The School of Engineering and Computational Sciences at Merrimack College invites applications for an Associate or Full Professor who will also serve as Director of the AMISTAR Center, housed in the Division of Engineering. We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to the continued growth of our innovative programs, advance interdisciplinary research, and support the College’s mission of fostering academic excellence and community engagement.

AMISTAR will serve as a cornerstone of Merrimack’s contribution to Industry 4.0, forging deep collaborations with industry partners and government agencies to co- develop next-generation technologies with real-world applications in ad