Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering

About the role

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas is seeking outstanding individuals for two full-time tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. Aerospace Engineering at KU has embraced a growth model which began with the undergraduate program and is now focusing on research, discovery, and the graduate program. Applications are welcome in any area of collaboration with existing faculty, including but not limited to AI/ML in aerospace applications, unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility systems, aerospace autonomy, flight test, remote sensing, emerging aerospace propulsion, VLEO/reentry applications, and space systems engineering.

Current faculty are integrally engaged in a broad array of transportation-related research, as well as research supporting earth, energy, and the environment through environmental remote sensing in the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS). The department currently has 12 tenured/tenure-track faculty and three instructional faculty, with programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Faculty are engaged in numerous externally funded research programs with support from Federal (NASA, NSF, ONR, AFRL, ARL, FAA), Industry (Lockheed, GE, Microsoft Research), and other sources. The department encourages interdisciplinary research, and new hires are encouraged to collaborate with faculty in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Petroleum Engineering, as well as other disciplines to advance research and education and create an impactful, sustained externally funded research program.

The Assistant Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate's right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The University of Kansas is the state's flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). KU consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university, engaging in $275 million of externally funded research annually. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. The university values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards campus was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

Responsibilities

• Teaching (40%): Develop curriculum and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, in-person and virtually, in Aerospace Engineering and associated disciplines. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student academic advising. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as major advisor and chair of master's and doctoral level thesis committees.
• Research/Scholarship (40%): Develop and direct a sustainable research program that includes directing students, establishing a strong externally funded research program, and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts and/or issued patents. Collaborate with internal and external research constituents.
• Service (20%): Participate in University, School, Departmental, and professional service activities, including department and school service committees, technical committees, industry boards, or other programs related to the field. Foster a positive relationship with industry and the community. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field in Engineering, by the start date of appointment.
• Demonstrated (or high potential for) teaching excellence in a university setting including the ability to develop and teach online courses.
• Demonstrated (or high potential for) record of scholarship as evidenced by publications, awards, presentations, books, and/or patents.
• Demonstrated (or high potential for) ability to develop an externally funded research program, as evidenced by the record of accomplishments and a well-defined and promising vision for externally funded research.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of appointment.

Application process

Evaluation of required qualifications will be made through the following materials:

• Letter of application describing work and educational experiences, including commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging for all students, staff, and faculty in work or learning environments.
• Complete curriculum vitae including research publications and conference presentations.
• Statement addressing vision for a sustainable program of funded research.
• Statement addressing teaching philosophy and approach to engaging teaching/advising practices, pedagogical techniques, and course materials.
• Names and contact information of three professional references.

Screening of applications begins November 20, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. The target starting date is August 18, 2027.

Contact information

Emily Arnold (earnold@ku.edu) and Richard Hale (rhale@ku.edu)