Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics - Associate Professor

Job No: 527849
Work type:
Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)

Location:

Tuscaloosa
Categories:
Tenure/Tenure-Track Faculty
Department:
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
Rank:
Associate Professor

The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) and the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering (SCoE) at the University of Alabama invite applications for an Associate Professor tenured faculty position within the AEM department. Candidates with research interests across all domains relevant to aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics are encouraged to apply. Candidates with research emphasis in space systems and propulsion, hypersonic systems and modeling, and autonomous aerospace systems are of particular interest and strongly encouraged to apply.

Exceptional candidates may be considered for the Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor position, which offers significant endowment support.

The AEM department and SCoE value teaching, research, and service as mutually reinforcing pillars of their mission. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop a highly productive, extramurally funded research program with long‑term impact and the capacity to collaborate with faculty across the department and college. Teaching expectations include developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the applicant’s area of expertise, as well as supporting courses aligned with the core degree programs.

• Earned PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated record of prior research work and impactful scholarly publications in refereed journals, conference proceedings, and other high‑impact venues.
• Demonstrated interest and record in aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics education and professional service.
• Ability to develop and sustain a quality research program at The University of Alabama.
• Potential for excellent teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• 5+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution.
• High‑quality research record recognized nationally or internationally appropriate to the position.
• Outstanding teaching and scholarship record in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Exceptional communication, advising, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.

Required application documents include:
(1) a cover letter that identifies the department name and rank of position;
(2) a curriculum vitae;
(3) a 2‑to‑4 page statement of research interests and plans;
(4) a 1‑to‑2 page statement of teaching interests and plans;
(5) names and contact information for at least four references.
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before November 15, 2025; the search will continue until the positions are filled. Typical start date:
August 16, 2026 (flexibility possible). Questions can be directed to aem-search.edu.

Background Investigation Statement:
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre‑employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported in the background investigation does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Candidates with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees are protected under federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights:
Workplace (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Your Rights
6.).

Applications close:
March 31, 2026 (CDT). The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. Candidates from under‑represented groups are encouraged to apply.