Assistant Professor of Teaching in Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Merced invites applications for the position of full-time Assistant Professor of Teaching in Aerospace Engineering with potential security of employment. This position will have responsibilities to coordinate and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in all areas of Aerospace Engineering with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

The Professor of Teaching series parallels that of the research-focused series but with an emphasis on excellence in teaching and other instruction-related activities. Individuals in the position are expected to provide outstanding teaching and engage in professional activity, including research on pedagogy and service related to the pedagogical mission of the School of Engineering and UC Merced.

This appointment confers membership in the Academic Senate, and, contingent upon promotion, tenure-paralleling security of employment. Appointment, merit, and promotion in the Professor of Teaching series requires excellence in teaching and service, as well as externally recognized contributions to research/creative activity in pedagogy and/or the discipline.

Preferred candidates: (1) have teaching experience or evidence of the ability to teach, particularly using student success centered approaches; (2) have demonstrated management or organizational skills and be comfortable advising students on industrial career paths, entrepreneurship, and graduate study opportunities; and (3) be interested in pushing design thinking and experience forward with a teaching approach that is suited to recent needs.

Candidates will require a Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related area at the time of appointment, which will be effective July 1, 2026.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related area. All but dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, with the degree requirement completed no later than June 30, 2027.

Preferred qualifications: B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering; Experience teaching courses at the undergraduate level; Industry or postdoctoral experience; Experience developing new undergraduate courses; Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate students; Record of interdisciplinary work and collaboration.

Application Requirements

Document requirements: Curriculum Vitae; Cover Letter; Statement of Teaching; Statement of Pedagogical Research (Optional); Authorization to Release Information Form.

Reference requirements: 3 required (contact information only).

About UC Merced: The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. It is committed to innovation and excellence in research, with special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park and a focus on sustainability.

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