The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Houston (UH) invites applications for two Presidential Frontier Faculty positions at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured early Associate Professor, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidates, with appointments beginning in Fall 2025. The Presidential Frontier Faculty program at UH is a university-wide, integrated, interdisciplinary faculty hiring initiative designed to address pressing federal priorities and societal challenges. We seek outstanding individuals with demonstrated expertise or research potential in space robotics, intelligent and autonomous space systems, space structures, aerospace materials, or in-space manufacturing. The successful candidates are expected to develop collaborations and leverage synergies within UH across departments and colleges. They must establish a strong, nationally recognized, and externally funded research program and teach aerospace engineering-related courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates should have a strong track record of scholarship, a creative vision for future research, a commitment to engineering education, and excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a closely related field at the time of employment. This position is part of the Presidential Frontier Faculty (PFF) initiative.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UH is home to 34 full-time faculty, approximately 80 doctoral students, 200 master's students, and over 1,000 undergraduates. It offers the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering and the M.S. in aerospace engineering. The department is also home to the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture, which offers the M.S. degree in space architecture, the only one of its kind in the world. The department is expanding its capabilities and programs in aerospace engineering research and education with plans to offer B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering, and the new hires will have the opportunity to shape the expansion of the department. UH is Texas’ premier public metropolitan research and teaching institution with over 45,000 students located on a park-like campus proximal to downtown Houston, the fourth-largest city in the nation. It offers a comprehensive range of programs across 15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health, hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities. UH is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and is the second most ethnically diverse major research university in the nation. Houston is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center and has a broad industrial base in aerospace, energy, materials, and manufacturing technologies, offering ample opportunities for collaborative research.
Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter highlighting the candidate's strengths and interest in the position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of research vision, (4) a statement on teaching philosophy, and (5) names and contact information of three references.
The policy of the University of Houston-System and its universities is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, ethnicity, military status, genetic information, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or status, or gender expression, except where such a distinction is required by law.
The University of Houston is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a closely related field at the time of employment.
Notes to Applicant:
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon the selection of the final candidate. All positions at the University of Houston are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
Required Attachments by Candidate:
Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Teaching Philosophy or Statement, Research Statement
Employee Status:
Regular/Benefits