Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering

Overview

Position Overview : The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas is seeking outstanding individuals for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Applications are welcome in any area of collaboration with existing faculty, including but not limited to astronautics, AI / ML in aerospace autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility systems, remote sensing, hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, and hypersonics. Current 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). The department has 12 tenured / tenure-track faculty and three career teaching faculty, with programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The faculty are engaged in externally funded research with support from Federal agencies (NASA, NSF, ONR, AFRL, ARL, FAA), industry (Lockheed, GE, Microsoft Research), and other sources. The department encourages interdisciplinary research, and the new hire will collaborate with faculty in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Petroleum Engineering, as well as other disciplines to advance research and education and build an externally funded program.

Job Description

The University of Kansas is the state's flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of 66 invited members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). KU engages in $275 million of externally funded research annually and offers strong programs with many opportunities for global engagement and study abroad. The mission of the University of Kansas is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities, and making discoveries that change the world. KU values integrity, commitment to excellence, academic freedom, disciplined inquiry, multicultural and intellectual diversity, respect for the dignity and rights of the individual, inclusion, transparency, freedom of expression, and communication. The university emphasizes a climate of belonging and support for each person to reach their full potential.

40% - Teaching

Develop curriculum and teach undergraduate and graduate courses, in-person and virtually in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student academic advising. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as major advisor and chair of master's and doctoral theses committees.

40% - Research / Scholarship

Develop and direct a sustainable research program that includes directing students, establishing a strong externally funded program, and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts and / or patents. Collaborate with internal and external research constituents.

20% - Service

Participate in University, School, Departmental, and professional service activities, including committees, industry boards, and outreach. Foster positive relationships with industry and the community. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field in Engineering, by start date of appointment.
• Demonstrated (or high potential for) teaching excellence in a university setting including the ability to develop and teach online courses.
• Demonstrated (or high potential for) record of scholarship as evidenced by publications, awards, presentations, books, and / or patents.
• Demonstrated 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) letter of application describing work and educational experiences; (b) record of accomplishments and productivity in research and teaching as addressed in the CV; (c) a statement addressing vision for a sustainable funded research program; (d) a teaching philosophy and approach to engaging teaching / advising practices; and (e) names and contact information of three professional references.

Application review and start dates

Application review will begin November 19, 2025, and continue until a qualified pool is received. The target starting date is August 18, 2026.

Complete applications will include

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Richard Hale, Search Committee and Department Chair

Phone : 785-864-2949

Email : rhale@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Start Date

Tuesday August 18, 2026

Apply to Job

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