Open Rank Professor of Aerospace Engineering

About the Role

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in aerospace engineering. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. As part of Rice University’s ongoing investment in aerospace engineering, the department is strengthening its research and educational programs through strategic faculty hiring and expanded engagement with industry and government partners.

Responsibilities

• Establish or maintain a nationally and internationally recognized research program.
• Contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.
• Strengthen collaborations across the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing and Rice University.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with expertise.
• Establish and sustain a vigorous, externally funded research program.
• Conduct innovative research and disseminate results through high-impact publications, conferences, and other scholarly activities.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Contribute to departmental, school, university, and professional service.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within Rice and with external partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated excellence in research and scholarship appropriate to rank.
• Commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Potential to establish or sustain a highly impactful, externally funded research program.
• Commitment to mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative academic community.
• For Associate Professor or Professor rank: distinguished record of scholarly achievement, sustained external funding, and national or international recognition in the field.

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of nine academic departments in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. The department includes 18 tenure-stream faculty and four teaching faculty with research and educational strengths spanning mechanics, materials, fluids, thermal sciences, controls, robotics, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and computational methods. The department and school are undergoing a period of strategic growth, creating opportunities for collaboration across Rice University and with Houston's aerospace, energy, and healthcare sectors. The department's location provides unique proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center and numerous aerospace companies and research organizations.

About the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing

Rice University's George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing is a nationally recognized leader in engineering research and education. The school prepares future leaders through rigorous technical training, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

About Rice University

Rice University is a private, top-tier research university located in Houston's Museum District, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. Rice enrolls approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 4,800 graduate students across eight schools. The university is consistently ranked among the nation's leading universities and is recognized for excellence in both research and undergraduate education.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until December 15, 2026. To apply, please submit the following materials through Interfolio:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (up to five pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (up to two pages)
• Statement describing contributions to building an inclusive and supportive learning, research, and mentoring environment (up to two pages)
• Names and contact information for at least three references who can provide letters of reference upon request

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.