Associate Research Faculty in Human Health and Performance in Space

Associate Research Faculty in Human Health and Performance in Space

The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering (ISE) at The Ohio State University invites applications for an Associate Research Faculty appointment in the area of Human Health and Performance in Space. The research area must complement ISE’s Human Systems Integration research portfolio. This position will start as early as Fall 2026.

Human presence in space creates career‑defining scientific opportunities and challenges. The position will support ongoing research and academic work at Ohio State in areas related to health and human performance, stressful and extreme operational environments where humans are immersed and where high consequence for failure is present, complex engineered systems, aerospace engineering, sensors, and flight operations.

• Joint human/clinician/automation system architectures for wellness management, comprising health monitoring, symptom detection, diagnosis, care planning, prognosis, and care delivery
• Human‑centered AI development, including the utility of new algorithms and techniques
• Issues and mitigations for increased time lag in communications between team members
• Advanced sensors and monitoring tools to increase effectiveness of health and wellness management
• Novel application of human performance optimization tools to enhance / sustain wellness
• Specialization of care modalities, including mental health, disease management, injury management
• Prevention / public health capabilities to prevent or minimize impact of infectious disease, workplace injuries

The incumbent will develop a research program and inquiry efforts, fortified through proposal writing and collaboration with faculty and external partners. The incumbent will mentor undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. Work will require collaboration with entities across The Ohio State University, including the Human Systems Integration group and the Human Performance Collaborative. The incumbent will also work closely with Ohio State faculty in development of joint proposals for funding.

The incumbent will serve on a twelve‑month Research Faculty appointment, with salary funded through research proposals, grants, and awards. The term is five years and may be renewed with agreement of all parties. In the first year, Ohio State’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) will provide salary and start‑up funding. The incumbent is expected to generate sufficient external funds to support salary and benefits.

Contribute to the university’s mission via research. Secure external funding for salary and graduate/undergraduate support. Disseminate findings through conference presentations and peer‑reviewed publications. Devote approximately 10% effort to service activities for ISE, the College of Engineering, ERIK, and the University.

Required:

• Doctorate (Academic) or equivalent combination of education and experience with a major in science, engineering, or related field. A specialty in bioastronautics, aerospace medicine, human performance, or operations is desirable.
• Professional experience in relevant research areas, including but not limited to human spaceflight, aerospace hardware systems, bioastronautics, under‑sea operations, aviation, control‑room operations, emergency medicine. Experience demonstrated by peer‑reviewed funding, publications, patents, or honors.
• Proven interdisciplinary leadership and collaboration in an academic environment.
• Engagement with academia, government, and industry, with preference for experience with federal agencies such as National Science Foundation, International Space Station National Lab, NASA, Air Force, Space Force.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Proven independence and initiative; strong project leadership.
• Innovative thinking and willingness to learn.
• Service on editorial boards, conference committees, and policy‑making panels.

Desired:

• Operational experience in human spaceflight, Antarctic/Arctic, deep‑sea, or other constrained environments.
• History of engaging in industry partnerships and external fundraising.

Ohio State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, tuition assistance, and retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check and may be required to undergo additional screenings.