Assistant Professor - Aerospace
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. The undergraduate program size has more than doubled and the number of students identifying as female has quadrupled since 2016. 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 two 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 integrally 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. At least one position is to expand in the area of aerodynamics (theoretical and experimental) and/or aerospace propulsion (gas-turbine engines, turbomachinery, hybrid electrics, hydrogen fuel cells, hypersonics, advanced air mobility systems). The ideal candidate for the first position will have experience and interest in both teaching and research aspects of aerospace aerodynamics and/or propulsion with a sustained plan for impactful research in aerospace propulsion and aerodynamic efficiency. The ideal candidate for the other position will support any existing areas of collaborative research, including but not limited to artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for aerospace applications, preferably in autonomous systems, enabling cognitive remote sensing, human center AI, and self-learning systems. The department encourages interdisciplinary research, and the new hire will collaborate with many faculty in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Petroleum Engineering, as well as other disciplines to advance research and education, and build a 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 departmental 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 M.S. and Ph.D. students. The department values diversity in pedagogy, in the curriculum, in outreach to students, and in research.
Job Description
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 School of Engineering (SOE) and the Department of Aerospace Engineering strongly value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. KU SOE is one of only 29 universities to achieve the exemplary, inaugural ASEE Diversity Recognition Bronze Award (
https://diversityrecognition.asee.org/award-recipients/. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the university actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education.
The Department of Aerospace Engineering currently has 11 tenured/tenure-track faculty, with programs leading to bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees. KU is a comprehensive educational and research-intensive AAU institution that operates through a diverse, multi-campus system, with 27,600 students and 2,800 faculty members. Opened in 1866, KU’s main campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation, occupying 1,000 acres on Mount Oread in Lawrence, a thriving city of 97,000, located 30 minutes west of Kansas City in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. All qualified (including international) candidates are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must receive valid U.S. work authorization prior to the specified start date.
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
- Earned doctorate in Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field in Engineering, by the 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.
- A well-defined and promising vision for an externally funded research program
Contact Information to Applicants
Search Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Z.J. Wang, 785-864-2440,
zjw@ku.edu and Dr. Shawn Keshmiri, 785-864-2974,
keshmiri@ku.edu; or Department Chair Dr. Richard Hale 785-864-2949,
rhale@ku.edu
Additional Candidate Instruction
Evaluation of required qualifications will be made through (a) your letter of application describing your work and educational experiences, including your commitment in working with diverse groups or how your teaching, service and/or scholarship has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in your academic field; (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 commitment/approach in the use or development of inclusive teaching/advising practices, pedagogical techniques and course materials, and (e) names and contact information of three professional references.
Screening of applications will begin on December 4, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. The target starting date is August 18, 2024.
Complete applications will include:
- Cover letter
- Complete curriculum vitae
- A vision statement for research interests and plans
- A statement of teaching philosophy and plans including efforts to diversify the field of engineering
- The contact information for three professional references
In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant's contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU's mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. Each response must be within 4,000 characters or less.
- Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Review of applications will begin December 4, 2023 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
