Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering

Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering University of California Merced Position Overview

Position title: Assistant Professor Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment; see table. The salary range for this position is $111,400 - $139,200. Off-scale salaries and other components of pay (i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step) are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2027, with the academic year beginning in August 2027. Degree requirement must be met no later than June 30, 2028 for employment beyond that date.
Position duration: Tenure Track

Open date:
August 10, 2026 Next review date:
Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date:
Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Merced invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. Candidates from all areas of Aerospace Engineering will be considered, with particular interest in applicants whose research complements or expands the department's existing strengths. The successful applicant will be expected to establish and maintain an independent research program, advise, and teach undergraduate and graduate students, and become involved in professional activities as well as service related to the mission of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department and the university.

Post-doctoral or other post-graduate experience is desirable but not required. The department seeks candidates who demonstrate a record of outstanding scholarship and a commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to the excellence and diversity of the university community through their research, teaching, mentoring, and service.

Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field. All but dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed no later than June 30, 2028.

• Strong record of research in areas including Advanced Air Mobility/Urban Air Mobility, autonomous and unmanned aerial systems, Hypersonic systems, AI and machine learning for aerospace applications, Digital Twins for aerospace Vehicles, Sustainable Aviation, Space Exploration, Aerospace cyber-physical systems, Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, Space systems and exploration, Multi-Body Flight
  - Dynamics and Control, and Solid mechanics, aerospace structures, and Structural dynamics. Strong postdoctoral and/or post-graduate experience.
• Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering.
• Exceptional candidates in all areas of Aerospace Engineering will be given full consideration.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching
• Authorization to Release Information Form
  - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

• 3 required (contact information only)

Please enter the names and contact information for three references to provide letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be solicited further along the recruitment process.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC…