Assistant, untenured Associate, or tenured Associate Professor, Aero-Astro Dept, Stanford University

Stanford University’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant, untenured Associate Professor, or tenured Associate Professor level.

About the role

Recent advances in aerospace engineering—including zero-emission air-transportation concepts, autonomous air-vehicle technologies, AI-driven robotics, and next-generation space-access systems—are driving a renaissance in the field. The department aims to hire exceptional scholars who will establish a high-impact research program, contribute to an innovative undergraduate curriculum, and develop graduate courses at the forefront of:

• Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• Aerospace system design
• Autonomous aerospace vehicle technologies
• Novel fuel, storage, and propulsion systems for sustainable aviation
• Human and robotic exploration of space
• Fundamental science and engineering across all aerospace disciplines

Priority will be given to the impact, originality, and promise of the candidate’s work rather than to a specific sub-field within Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Responsibilities

• Pursue a program of high-impact research
• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses
• Build and lead a team of PhD students

Requirements

• Ph.D. completed or near completion in Aeronautics and Astronautics or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
• Strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching

Application materials

• Brief combined research and teaching plan (3–5 pages total)
• Detailed resume including publication list
• Names and contact information for three to five references (letters requested only for short-listed candidates)

Candidates may optionally include a brief discussion in their statements about how their work and experience will foster an open, respectful academic environment.

Timeline

• Best consideration by October 15, 2026
• Full consideration deadline: October 31, 2026
• Search closes: November 30, 2026

Questions may be directed to aafacultysearch@stanford.edu.

Pay

Expected nine-month academic base-pay ranges (excluding summer salary):

• Assistant Professor: $144,100 – $163,766
• Untenured Associate Professor: $158,510 – $196,803
• Tenured Associate Professor: $168,510 – $206,803

Final salary will reflect experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market benchmarks. Additional benefits, including housing assistance, are available.