Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering

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 of Aerospace Engineering currently has 12 tenured/tenure-track faculty and three instructional faculty, with programs leading to bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 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. The department encourages interdisciplinary research, and the 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 and 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.

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 departmental and student mentoring. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of appointment. 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 impact and engagement in pedagogy, in the curriculum, in outreach to students, and in research.

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.

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). Our university 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 was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

KU is committed to upholding our core institutional values of integrity; commitment to excellence and academic freedom; disciplined inquiry in the search of knowledge; multicultural and intellectual diversity; respect for the dignity and rights of the individual; and inclusion, transparency, freedom of expression, and communication (https://provost.ku.edu/about).

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 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 thesis 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 the 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. 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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

Evaluation of required qualifications will be made through (a) your letter of application describing your work and educational experiences, including your commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging for all students, staff and faculty in your work or learning environments; (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.

Screening of applications will begin on November 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The target starting date is August 18, 2027.

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. Contact information for three professional references

Contact Information to Applicants: Emily Arnold (earnold@ku.edu) and Richard Hale (rhale@ku.edu)

Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins: Friday November 20, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Wednesday August 18, 2027

Apply to Job