The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks an outstanding scholar in space technology to become the Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. This tenured position is targeted at the level of Associate or Full Professor and will include responsibility for developing and leading an externally funded research group, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and engaging in university and professional service.…
Additionally, the Smead Endowed Chair will be a leader in The Smead Program, helping the program grow to be the most prestigious Ph.D. aerospace engineering fellowship program worldwide.
THE POSITION
The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology recognizes leadership, creativity, and technical excellence in space research. The department is seeking an experienced faculty member in the area of space technology research, a field that includes broad areas of study related to technologies enabling space flight, atmospheric re-entry of Earth or other bodies, technologies to sustain life in space, space weather, space mission development, exploration of solar system bodies, as well as space-based remote sensing technologies. Tenured faculty in the department typically include 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% leadership and service.
The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology will work closely with the Smead Program Director and other program-affiliated faculty to further enhance and raise the profile of The Smead Program. The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology will serve on The Smead Program Steering Committee, which is responsible for budgetary and strategic oversight of the program, and on the Smead Scholar Selection Board.
THE SMEAD PROGRAM: EXPLORE. ACHIEVE. LEAD.
The Smead Program consists of scholars and faculty internationally recognized for their research and character. The Smead Program is focused on leaders who will make an impact that benefits not only the aerospace community, but the future of humanity.
COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have an understanding and appreciation for aerospace engineering fundamentals, as well as excellent management and organizational skills and a willingness to learn quickly.
The department seeks candidates who are strongly interested in or demonstrate effectiveness in teaching, mentoring, and inspiring diverse students of all races, nationalities, and genders including first-generation college undergraduates. Additionally, candidates must maintain an externally funded research program in their technical area.
The successful candidate will engage in partnership with members of The Smead Program and support the program's outreach, marketing, and communications efforts, as well as assist in recruiting new program participants.
In addition, qualified candidates will possess:
- A research doctorate in aerospace, aeronautical, or astronautical engineering, or a closely related engineering or physical/chemical science discipline
- The ability to meet University standards and unit criteria for tenure and appointment at the Associate Professor rank or full Professor rank as applicable. These criteria generally include having an established and ongoing program of original research, a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding, and a record of high-quality teaching and mentoring
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to teach and work in a highly collaborative environment
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
The anticipated academic year (9-month) salary range for this position is $130,000 to $180,000 for an Associate Professor and $170,000 to $260,000 for a full professor plus a moving allowance and a signing bonus within CEAS guidelines. A recruitment incentive is available within Department guidelines. As the Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology, the successful candidate will have access to annual discretionary funds of $100,000. The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology may also use up to 10% of the annual discretionary funds as an additional academic year salary for their 9-month appointment.
TO APPLY
The University of Colorado has engaged Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support the recruitment of the Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology. Craig Smith, Managing Partner, and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Candidates should send the following as individual PDF files to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net:
- Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your personal academic goals.
- Resume/CV: A current curriculum vitae.
- A Statement of Research Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for research and/or creative work that contributes to the body of knowledge in your field and provides broader benefits to education and society. Candidates with an experimental component to their research should provide a concise summary of anticipated financial and space needs. (2-3 pages)
- A Statement of Teaching Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body and developing inclusive pedagogy practices. (2-3 pages)
- Leadership, Service and Community Contributions Statement: In this statement, describe your leadership and service experience, and demonstrated ability to contribute to a supportive campus community. Please provide details on your track record, calibrated to your career stage, that describe the specific role you played in these efforts. These could include, but are not limited to service on committees, outreach activities to broaden engagement in or with engineering, or serving on advisory boards or task forces contributing to policies or regulations. In addition, describe your plans to contribute to our campus plan to Create Supportive Environments, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science Strategic Vision. (1-2 pages).
Nominations, recommendations, and inquiries should go to the same address. Every effort will be made to ensure candidate confidentiality. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however for full consideration please apply by November 15, 2026. The search process will remain confidential until the final stage of a public campus visit.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any submitted materials, candidates may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. Candidates will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
See full position description here