Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (www.aero.umd.edu) invites applications for one or more full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position(s) in space exploration. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in this field are strongly encouraged to apply. Priority (for one of the positions) will be given to applicants who will utilize the unique experimental capabilities afforded by UMD’s Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility and have expertise in one or more of the following areas (in no specific order): (1) space robotics; (2) space human factors, life support, and bioastronautics; (3) space systems, including flight hardware development (including CubeSats) and systems analysis; and (4) spacecraft instrumentation and computing. Individuals who can connect to these areas or who are working at the boundaries of these areas are also encouraged to apply. Applicants will be expected to develop a strong research program related to space exploration and complementary to existing research capabilities. Additionally, successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the graduate and undergraduate course offerings in this area.

Education:
Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering or a closely-related field by the start date of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

The Aerospace Engineering department has four named faculty professorships, 22 full-time faculty, an undergraduate enrollment of over 615 students, graduate enrollment of over 145 students, and over $12 million in research expenditures last year. The department is also home to the only university-hosted neutral buoyancy research facility, a 50-foot diameter, 25-foot deep water tank that is used to simulate the micro-gravity environment of space. Close proximity to downtown Washington, DC provides access to key elements of the federal research and development infrastructure. Additionally, UMD is close to NASA Goddard, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Naval Research Laboratory, providing key opportunities for collaboration in the space sector. UMD also has a cadre of space science researchers in other departments at the university. We welcome candidates that would strengthen ties with external and internal partners.

Candidate will be expected to establish an imaginative, well-funded and collaborative research program that will serve to educate graduate and undergraduate students and advance the field. Candidate should be effective communicator and have an ability and interest in working with diverse student populations having a variety of backgrounds, learning styles, and skill levels. Candidate will also contribute to the teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses within the department. Applicants should have an archival journal publication record commensurate with their career stage.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering believes in inclusive excellence. We aim to support and increase diversity in multiple forms, including but not limited to, identity, culture, background, ability, and opinions. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to apply. Candidates who have a record of commitment to working with students from underrepresented groups through teaching, mentoring, or administration are encouraged to describe their experiences in these areas.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.