University of California Merced
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Professor
Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment; see table. The salary range for this position is $111,400 - $139,200. Off-scale salaries and other components of pay (i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step) are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2027, with the academic year beginning in August 2027. Degree requirement must be met no later than June 30, 2028 for employment beyond that date.
Position duration: Tenure Track
Application Window
Open date: August 10, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Merced invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level.
Candidates from all areas of Aerospace Engineering will be considered, with particular interest in applicants whose research complements or expands the department's existing strengths.
The successful applicant will be expected to establish and maintain an independent research program, advise, and teach undergraduate and graduate students, and become involved in professional activities as well as service related to the mission of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department and the university. Post-doctoral or other post-graduate experience is desirable but not required.
The department seeks candidates who demonstrate a record of outstanding scholarship and a commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to the excellence and diversity of the university community through their research, teaching, mentoring, and service.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field. All but dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed no later than June 30, 2028.
Preferred qualifications
- Strong record of research in areas including Advanced Air Mobility/Urban Air Mobility, autonomous and unmanned aerial systems, Hypersonic systems, AI and machine learning for aerospace applications, Digital Twins for aerospace Vehicles, Sustainable Aviation, Space Exploration, Aerospace cyber-physical systems, Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, Space systems and exploration, Multi-Body Flight - Dynamics and Control, and Solid mechanics, aerospace structures, and Structural dynamics. Strong postdoctoral and/or post-graduate experience.
- Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering.
- Exceptional candidates in all areas of Aerospace Engineering will be given full consideration.
Application Details
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research
- Statement of Teaching
- Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Reference requirements
3 required (contact information only)
Please enter the names and contact information for three references to provide letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be solicited further along the recruitment process.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02221
Help contact: soe-adminopservices@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Job location
Merced, CA
To apply, please visit: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02221