Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics - Associate Professor

Department

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

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 a tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor. Candidates with research interests across all domains of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics are encouraged to apply. Particular interest will be in space systems and propulsion, hypersonic systems and modeling, and autonomous aerospace systems.

The AEM department seeks a faculty member who can contribute to teaching, research, and service at the University of Alabama. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of scholarship in one or more of the key focus areas and will demonstrate the ability to secure extramural funding for a highly productive research program. Candidates with a distinguished national reputation and a record of impactful publications will be considered for the Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor appointment.

Applicants who feel their achievements merit this additional honor should indicate this in their cover letter.

The position offers a 12‑month appointment beginning August 16, 2026, with flexibility regarding start date. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Applications are preferred on or before November 15, 2025, to receive full consideration.

• Earned PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated record of prior research work and a record of impactful scholarly publications in refereed journals, conference proceedings, and similar venues.
• Demonstrated interest and record in aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics education and professional service.
• Show the ability to develop and sustain a quality research program at The University of Alabama.
• Exhibit the potential for excellent teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Meet all university criteria for appointment to the rank of Associate Professor.

• Have 5+ years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution.
• Demonstrated record of high‑quality research and scholarly publications that is recognized nationally and/or internationally.
• Show a significant record of outstanding teaching and scholarship in an engineering department with both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
• Exhibit exceptional communication, advising, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.

Required application documents include:

• A cover letter that includes both the department name and the rank of the position for which the candidate is applying.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A two‑to‑four page statement of research interests and plans.
• A one‑to‑two page statement of teaching interests and plans.
• The names and contact information for at least four references.

Questions about the position can be directed to aem-search.edu.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. Candidates from under‑represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre‑employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position.

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.