Tenure-Track Faculty in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Job Summary

The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for four tenure-track faculty positions with a targeted focus in the following topical areas:


1. Bioastronautics and Human Space Exploration

Research focus may include areas of interest in: space habitats and relevant systems engineering, environmental control and life support systems, in situ resource utilization (ISRU), space biology and associated payload engineering, mission integration and operations, human health and performance in aerospace environments, in-space manufacturing particularly in the areas of biology, pharmaceuticals, materials and infrastructure, and assembly for exploration systems.



2. Aeronautics and Aviation



Research focus may include areas of interest in: autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), aircraft control and flight dynamics, flight operations, aircraft systems for atmospheric sensing, advanced air mobility, airspace operations and air traffic management systems, aircraft design and optimization, sustainable aviation and energy systems.



3. Aerospace Sensing, Navigation, and Information Systems



Research focus may include areas of interest in: positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, including but not limited to satellite navigation, inertial, celestial, and vision-based navigation; integration of novel remote sensing payloads with spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based platforms; sensor fusion and estimation theory for autonomous and uncrewed aerospace systems; space situational awareness and orbit determination; distributed and networked sensing architectures (e.g., small satellite constellations, swarms, or UAS); onboard and ground-based information and signal processing, including machine learning and data fusion for navigation and sensing applications; resilient and secure navigation and communication systems.



4. Other Critical and Emerging Areas in Aerospace Engineering Sciences



In addition, we encourage applications from candidates pursuing research in other critical areas of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work bridges or complements existing areas of departmental strength, helps establish new areas of strategic strength, or advances promising and emerging directions in Aerospace Engineering Sciences. Candidates in these areas will be considered equally alongside those in the targeted areas described above.



These positions are anticipated to be hired at the Assistant Professor rank.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is one of Colorado’s flagship public institutions and among the most research-active public universities in the country. The College of Engineering and Applied Science is the second largest school or college on the CU Boulder campus and boasts top-tier rankings for both its graduate and undergraduate engineering programs. Earning the 11th spot among public graduate programs and 17th nationwide for undergraduate engineering. Multiple specialty areas are also ranked within the top 20. Equally importantly, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and academically excellent community. Our approximately 250 tenure-track, 120 instructional-track, and 30 research-track faculty serve more than 6,000 undergraduate students, 1,300 master’s students, and 850 PhD students. Our college has three core foci: (i) Research & Innovation, (ii) Education, and (iii) Inclusion. We believe that our college’s success requires faculty who actively work to create an inclusive culture within the college and are committed to the campus plan of creating and sustaining supportive campus environments .

To learn more about the College of Engineering and Applied Science please visit our website .

CU Boulder's Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is nationally known for teaching and research that address both challenges and opportunities facing the aerospace profession. Students work extensively on hands-on experiments in the Practical Innovation Through Learning, Observation, and Teaching (PILOT) Laboratory and design projects alongside expert faculty in the department's world-class research centers. CU aerospace alumni are working at top companies and research labs, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Anduril, Draper Laboratory, and many others.

We are home to over 55 tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, over 600 graduate students, and over 1,200 undergraduates. Our vibrant community of engineers and scientists tackle challenges in aerospace technology and science. The Smead Aerospace Sciences Department has active research programs spanning the breadth of aerospace engineering sciences through the Research and Engineering Center for Uncrewed Systems (RECUV), the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR), the Aerospace Mechanics Research Center (AMReC), BioServe Space Technologies (BioServe), the Integrated Remote and In-Situ Sensing (IRISS) initiative, and the new CEAS Robotics Program.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences website to understand the educational mission of the department, the specific courses that are taught in the undergraduate and graduate curricula, and how they would specifically contribute to offering these courses.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Successful candidates will be expected to engage in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring; develop an externally funded research program in their technical area; contribute professional leadership and service to their unit, the college, and their professional community; and cultivate and contribute to the inclusive excellence of our academic community.