Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering

About the role

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas invites applications for two full-time tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. The department is expanding its research, discovery, and graduate programs while maintaining excellence in education. We welcome applicants 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
• Space systems engineering

Current faculty engage in transportation-related research and environmental remote sensing through the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS). The department offers programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and is supported by funding from NASA, NSF, ONR, AFRL, ARL, FAA, Lockheed, GE, Microsoft Research, and others. Interdisciplinary collaboration across Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Petroleum Engineering is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Teaching (40%): Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses (in-person and online), advise students, and mentor graduate students as major advisor and thesis committee chair.
• Research/Scholarship (40%): Establish and lead a sustainable, externally funded research program; supervise students; and disseminate findings via peer-reviewed publications and/or patents.
• Service (20%): Participate in university, school, departmental, and professional service, including committees, technical bodies, and community/industry engagement.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related engineering field by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated or high potential for teaching excellence in university settings, including online instruction.
• Demonstrated or high potential for scholarship through publications, awards, presentations, books, and/or patents.
• Demonstrated or high potential to develop an externally funded research program with a clear vision.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. by the effective date of appointment.

Qualifications

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Letter of application describing work and educational experiences, including commitment to fostering belonging for all students, staff, and faculty.
• Record of accomplishments and productivity in research and teaching (CV).
• Vision statement for a sustainable program of funded research.
• Teaching philosophy and approach to engaging teaching/advising practices, pedagogical techniques, and course materials.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Institution

The University of Kansas is an R-1 AAU member and a leading research university with $275 million in annual externally funded research. KU offers 65 ranked graduate programs, ranks 24th in best value among public institutions, and supports over 150 international study programs. The Lawrence–Edwards campus enrolls 23,958 students from all 50 states and 112 countries. KU values integrity, academic freedom, disciplined inquiry, multicultural diversity, and inclusion.