"Assistant Professor of Aviation and Aerospace Management"

Position Summary

The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at MSU Denver invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Aviation and Aerospace Management. This is a 9-month appointment beginning August 2026. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, advising, scholarship, and service, with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles across the aviation and aerospace management sectors.

The required teaching load is 12 credit hours per fall/spring semester (4 classes) in undergraduate-level coursework. Courses will primarily support the Aviation and Aerospace Management degree and related certificate pathways, with an emphasis in areas such as:

• Airline Planning
• Airport and Spaceport Planning & Management
• Aviation and Aerospace Law
• Air Cargo Industry
• Aviation Safety and Security Program Management
• General & Business Aviation and Aerospace Operations Management

The successful candidate will teach across multiple delivery formats, including in-person, hybrid, and asynchronous online modalities. Summer teaching opportunities may be available depending on departmental needs and student demand.

The role also requires advising students through scheduled office hours (5 per week) and additional meetings as needed for academic planning, career exploration, and graduate school preparation. Active engagement in curriculum development, departmental service, scholarly activity, and industry partnerships is expected.

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Teach 12-credit hours per fall/spring semester (4 classes) in aviation/aerospace management courses across multiple delivery formats (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Maintain required office hours to advise and mentor students, including career preparation and graduate school guidance.
• Serve as a resource on program policies, certification pathways, internships, and professional career tracks.
• Assist with student recruitment, admissions, and orientation events.
• Contribute to curriculum design, development, and continuous improvement in aviation and aerospace management.
• Maintain culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices.
• Assess student learning outcomes and contribute to program effectiveness.
• Provide departmental, university, and professional service through committee work, student organizations, and industry engagement.
• Conduct scholarly activities that advance aviation/aerospace management and align with departmental mission.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in aviation/aerospace management.
• Maintain applicable FAA licensure, certifications, or industry credentials where appropriate.
• Provide documented service to the Department, College, University, and community.
• Support the educational needs of a diverse urban student population.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry partners in related domains such as engineering, business, cybersecurity, and transportation management.

Required Qualifications

• A nationally accredited masters degree in aviation management, aerospace sciences, aeronautical sciences, transportation, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of aviation and/or aerospace industry work experience in management, operations, safety, or related domains.
• (Note: An MS or MA in the areas defined above is considered a terminal degree for this tenure-track position.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strongly Preferred - Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or D.B.A.) in aviation/aerospace management, business, transportation, or related field.
• Prior collegiate teaching experience at a U.S. nationally accredited institution in aviation, aerospace, or management.
• Documented research, publishing, or professional writing experience related to aviation or aerospace management.
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory frameworks (FAA, ICAO, TSA) and professional standards.
• Experience in areas such as:
  • Airport/airline management and planning
  • Aviation finance, economics, or policy
  • Aviation safety and security systems
• Experience related to aerospace commerce and/or spaceport management is strongly desired.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students from diverse backgrounds and improving access to higher education.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online at MSU Denver Careers. A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Teaching Philosophy
• Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts
• Peer or student evaluations
• Professional licenses or certifications
• A list of three professional references and their contact information

Salary for Announcement

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $84,000 - $94,000. This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs.