Research Assistant Professor

About the Job

The University of Minnesota is working to establish the Minnesota Aerospace Complex (MAC) with the goal of integrating advanced modeling and simulation tools with state‑of‑the‑art wind tunnel testing. The MAC will advance the reliability and complexity of simulations, extend and validate physics models, and develop the next‑generation multi‑physics simulation environment for hypersonics. To support these goals, the University seeks applicants with significant experience in computational fluid dynamics, methods for unstructured grid generation, high‑temperature gas dynamics, multi‑physics simulations, and/or advanced code development for high‑performance computing.

A PhD and research experience in one of these areas is required.

This position will serve as a member of the University of Minnesota research team providing critical research and analysis support in collaboration with faculty, other research staff and graduate students. There is also the potential for the candidate to teach courses and to participate in the undergraduate and graduate programs within the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics.

This position may qualify to be hired at one of several research professor job classification levels depending on the qualifications, background and experience of the candidate. The salary will be commensurate with experience.

A successful candidate will provide expertise in the development and application of advanced multi‑physics simulations for hypersonics. The position will require close collaborative work with the existing development team and with the hypersonics research group at the University of Minnesota. The position will require the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and will involve collaborations with the government and relevant aerospace industry.

Areas of responsibility include:

Research duties (80%)

• Lead the development and application of multi‑physics numerical methods and simulation capability for problems in hypersonics and advanced wind tunnel testing.
• Work closely with the existing code development team to implement and validate new features to support the overall goals of the Minnesota Aerospace Complex.
• Work with stakeholders to support wind tunnel facility development and application of novel simulation methods to support wind tunnel testing.
• Work with code users to identify and solve issues and to define new requirements.

Leadership & Mentoring (10%)

• Provide guidance and mentoring to graduate students and post‑docs.

Publications & Reporting (10%)

• Support proposal development and reporting, including writing technical reports and papers, and giving presentations at conferences and reviews.

Required qualifications

PhD and research experience in one of the following areas:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Methods for unstructured grid generation
• High‑temperature gas dynamics
• Multi‑physics simulations
• Advance code development for high‑performance computing

Pay Range: $140,000 - $160,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique…