Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Rice University:
Brown School of Engineering and Computing:
Mechanical Engineering Position Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in aerospace engineering. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. As part of Rice University’s ongoing investment in aerospace engineering, the department is strengthening its research and educational programs through strategic faculty hiring and expanded engagement with industry and government partners.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to the continued growth of aerospace engineering at Rice while developing collaborations across the university and Houston’s broader aerospace community.

We seek candidates whose research advances the future of aerospace engineering, particularly in areas aligned with sustainable and resilient aerospace systems and/or AI-enabled physical and autonomous systems. Areas of interest include but are not limited to autonomous flight and space systems; sustainable aviation and advanced propulsion technologies; computational, data-driven, and AI-enabled aerospace engineering; resilient aerospace structures and materials; technologies for space exploration and in-space operations.

Exceptional candidates whose research expands the frontiers of aerospace engineering in other areas are also encouraged to apply.

Rice seeks faculty who embrace a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and inclusive mentorship. Excellence in research and teaching will be the primary criteria for evaluation.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish or maintain a nationally and internationally recognized research program, contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen collaborations across the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing and Rice University. Opportunities for collaboration with NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Houston’s rapidly growing aerospace ecosystem, including leading aerospace companies, startups, and research organizations, provide a unique environment for impactful research, technology development, and translation.

In support of these expectations, the successful candidate will develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with their expertise; establish and sustain a vigorous, externally funded research program; conduct innovative research and disseminate results through high-impact publications, conferences, and other scholarly activities; advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers; contribute to departmental, school, university, and professional service; and foster interdisciplinary collaborations within Rice and with external partners.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

We welcome the fullness of diversity lified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. In our candidate pools, we seek to increase the representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in mechanical and aerospace engineering;

attract scholars and students from a wide range of countries, backgrounds, and experiences; accelerate progress toward building a faculty and…