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. The typical distribution of work for this role is 40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work (research), and 20% leadership and service. What You Should Know The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2027; however, a later start date may be negotiated. The University of Colorado Boulder has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their current and previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination, before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information. What We Can Offer The anticipated academic year salary range for this position at the Assistant Professor rank is $110,000-125,000. A relocation stipend may be available within CEAS guidelines. CU offers a competitive 401(a) retirement plan, with employees contributing 5% of their annual eligible compensation and CU contributing 10% of their eligible compensation. This plan is standard for most faculty hires. For more information on CU's retirement benefits visit our website here . In addition to a competitive salary, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a wide variety of other benefits and perks. Links to some of these are below. To forecast the value of your total compensation, check out our total compensation calculator . More information on some of our benefits and perks is available here: gender-neutral paid parental leave ; housing down-payment assistance programs ; dual-career & relocation resources ; and teaching , research , and professional development . Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. Be Statements Be genuine. Be pioneering. Be Boulder. What We Require Applicants must have earned a research doctorate in aerospace, aeronautical, or astronautical engineering, or a closely related field, or have their degree conferred before starting a tenure-track faculty appointment. What You Will Need Applicants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to teach and work in a highly collaborative environment. An understanding and appreciation for aerospace engineering fundamentals, as well as excellent management, communication, and organizational skills, along with a willingness to learn quickly, is required. Candidates should be able to develop an externally funded research program that can include collaborations with colleagues throughout the Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department and across the College and Engineering and Applied Science. Candidates should be capable of teaching a wide range of undergraduate aerospace engineering courses in both lecture and laboratory formats. Candidates should also be capable of teaching core graduate courses as well as developing new graduate courses. What We Would Like You to Have Prior experience teaching, conducting research, and/or industry experience in aerospace engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, or closely related fields. Research topics should focus on one of the three topical areas listed above (Bioastronautics and Human Space Exploration; Aerospace Sensing, Navigation, and Information Systems; Aeronautics and Aviation) or in other critical areas within Aerospace Engineering Sciences. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials as individual PDF files: Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your personal academic goals. Resume/CV: A current curriculum vitae. A Statement of Research Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for research and/or creative work that contributes to the body of knowledge in your field and provides broader benefits to education and society (2-3 pages). A Statement of Teaching Philosophy: A statement of your experience and plans for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body (2-3 pages). Leadership, Service and Community Contributions Statement: In this statement, describe your leadership and service experience, and demonstrated ability to contribute to a supportive campus community. Please provide details on your track record, calibrated to your career stage, that describe the specific role you played in these efforts. These could include, but are not limited to service on committees, outreach activities to broaden engagement in or with engineering, or serving on advisory boards or task forces contributing to policies or regulations. In addition, describe your plans to contribute to our campus plan to Create Supportive Environments , and the College of Engineering and Applied Science Strategic Vision (1-2 pages). During the application process, you will be asked to provide the names and contact information for at least three references to submit a letter of recommendation to be considered along with your application materials. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however for full consideration please apply by November 1, 2026 . Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs . Background checks will be conducted for all final applicants. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Posting Contact Information Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu
