Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Professor and Chair Department of Mecha

Open Rank Professor Tenure/Tenure Track Positions – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of South Florida invites applications for tenured/tenure‑track faculty positions in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Researchers with a track record of scholarly excellence, teaching, and community engagement are especially encouraged. Particular consideration will be given to applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Computational Supersonic and Hypersonic Flows
• Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, and Robotics
• Drones and Urban Air Mobility
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Aerospace Materials
• Energy Systems

Applicants specializing in materials science without a clear link to aerospace applications are discouraged.

Successful applicants may be hired as Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor and are expected to begin in the Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. They should have demonstrated excellence in scholarly research and publications, the potential for sustaining an externally funded research program, and a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Exceptional applicants with a sustained record of externally funded research, outstanding scholarly work, and international recognition of their work will be considered for the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering and collaborates extensively across the College of Engineering and other USF colleges.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, and at least four professional references. The cover letter must indicate the applicant’s interest in a specific rank and area of research. Additionally include a statement (no more than five pages) of research plans and teaching interests, and a broader impacts description.

Submit the application packet as a single PDF to the USF careers website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

• Ahmad Vaselbehagh (Chair) – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – 813‑974‑7664 – vaselbehagh
• Ajit Mujumdar – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – 813‑974‑9677 – ajit
• Nathan Gallant – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – 813‑974‑5840 – ngallant
• Sonya Tiomkin – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – 813‑974‑7371 – sonyat1
• Avik Samanta – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – aviksamanta
• Anshuman Pandey – Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering – anshumanpandey

Minimum Desired

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly achievements to contribute to fundamental research thrust areas in the College of Engineering.
• Meeting university criteria for appointment as Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence in scholarly research and publications.
• Potential for sustaining an externally funded research program.
• Strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Hiring Process:

• Research plan, publication and scholarly work productivity, teaching statement and experience, grant proposal writing and funding history will be evaluated.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace. The University does not discriminate based on age, disability, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other unlawful basis. Dual-career couples are encouraged to contact the Department Chair, and those requiring disability accommodations in the application and interview process should inform Melanie Salarbux at (727) 873‑4290 or Khoa Dinh at (813) 974‑9272 at least five working days in advance.

Pursuant to Title IX, USF protects against discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. For Title IX matters, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Reference the USF Title IX webpage .edu/title-ix.

Job code 42091.