Assistant Professor of Solid Mechanics​/Structures​/Structural Dynamics; Tenure Track

Job Story

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute to our academic programs and research profile. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession.

This position is a 9‑month appointment with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026.

The Aerospace Engineering department within the College of Engineering at WSU is the seventh oldest in the nation. The department comprises eleven faculty members offering curricula in aeronautics and astronautics. It is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student success. A large fraction of our students work throughout the year in paid jobs at the 20+ companies on the Innovation Campus.

In addition to the companies, the Innovation Campus is home to the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR), the new Deloitte Smart Factory@Wichita, the Crash Dynamics Lab, and the John Bardo Center, where both the Innovation Hub and GoCreate maker spaces are located. We have state‑of‑the‑art facilities for robotics and automation; computer‑aided design and manufacturing; 3‑D printing of plastics and metals;

composites and coatings; mechanical, structural, and environmental testing; failure analysis; crash dynamics; extended reality; reverse engineering; multiple wind/water tunnels; and a research machine shop. The department seeks outstanding candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and to a diverse campus climate.

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional face‑to‑face, hybrid, and fully online). Foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. Advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiatives, outreach activities, etc.).

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. Design curriculum and instructional materials, deliver high‑quality instruction in various modalities (in‑person, online, or hybrid), and assess student learning. Mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g., projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.

Establish and maintain an active research program in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. Publish peer‑reviewed scholarly work and disseminate results in academic venues. Seek external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities and, where applicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnerships with industry. Demonstrate excellence in scholarship through a record of research accomplishments or clear potential for high‑quality research output.

Participate in service activities within the department, college, and university, as well as in professional organizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach. Contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department and may also engage in service to the broader profession (e.g., reviewing for journals, involvement in academic societies).

Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member’s talents and departmental needs. All Wichita State faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

• Terminal degree in the direct field.
• Teaching experience.

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field is required. At least one of the degrees must be in Aerospace Engineering. Candidates must have completed the requirements for the Ph.D. by the time of appointment.

Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in aerospace engineering (solid mechanics/structures/etc). Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects best practices in instruction.

Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship. This can be shown by publications, conference presentations, dissertation work, and other scholarly activities.