Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering


Position Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas has embraced a growth model which began with the undergraduate program and is now focusing on research, discovery, and the graduate program. In support of further growth in research and discovery, the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas is seeking nominations and applications for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. The Aerospace Engineering faculty are currently 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. Faculty are engaged in research supporting earth, energy, and the environment through environmental remote sensing in the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS), and in other transportation-related research such as the Alliance for System Safety of UAS Through Research Excellence (ASSURE). Applications are welcome in any area of collaboration with existing faculty, including but not limited to aerospace structures and additive manufacturing, unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems, remote sensing, advanced air mobility systems, hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, astronautics and hypersonics. The new hire will collaborate with faculty in other areas of Engineering, and other disciplines to advance research and education, to create an impactful and sustained externally funded research program.

Applications are sought from candidates with earned doctorates in Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field in Engineering by the time of appointment. Candidates should demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, scholarly research, local and international service, and student mentoring. The successful candidate will be results-oriented, have a record of superior scholarship demonstrated by: 1) a promising vision for and experience in developing and maintaining externally funded research, and 2) ability to teach high-quality courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor and graduate M.S. and Ph.D. students. The department values variety in pedagogy, in the curriculum, in outreach to students, and in research. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

The University of Kansas School of Engineering has embarked on a strategic plan that leads to significant expansion while taking explicit care to maintain and improve the high-quality student programs for which the university is known. This is a multi-faceted approach that drives growth in facilities, faculty, leadership, research, and, most importantly, students, as it helps industry partners find the new talent, designs, and techniques they need to fuel economic growth and business success. Special consideration will be given to applicants committed to excellence, who can contribute to the University's innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary initiatives to educate leaders, build healthy and vibrant communities, and make discoveries that will change the world.

KU’s main campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation; located in Lawrence, a thriving city of 97,000, 30 minutes west of Kansas City in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.


Job Description

40% - Teaching
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 the major advisor and chair of master's and doctoral level theses committees.

40% Research/Scholarship
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.

20% Service
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.

Required Qualifications

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

Additional Candidate Instructions

Evaluation of required qualifications will be made through (a) your letter of application describing your work and educational experiences (b) record of accomplishments and productivity in research and teaching as addressed in the c.v., including research publications and conference presentations; c) a statement addressing your vision for a sustainable program of funded research; (d) a statement addressing your teaching philosophy and approach to engaging teaching/advising practices, pedagogical techniques and course materials, and (e) names and contact information of three professional references.

Application review will begin November 19, 2024, and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received. The target starting date is August 12, 2025. A complete application must be submitted at: KU Employment: Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering

Complete applications will include:
  1. Cover letter
  2. Complete curriculum vitae
  3. A vision statement for research interests and plans
  4. A statement of teaching philosophy and plans
  5. The contact information for three professional references

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Richard Hale, Search Committee and Department Chair
785-864-2949
rhale@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Tuesday November 19, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 18, 2025

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  28666BR
  • Department:  Aerospace Engineering
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  F-Faculty
  • Review Begins:  19-Nov-2024

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