Assistant/Associate Professor - MMAE - Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a dynamic Assistant/Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering. This tenure-track position offers the opportunity to lead innovative research in areas such as aerial robotics and unmanned systems, while also contributing to the academic growth of students. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and a supportive environment for faculty, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in their field. Join a vibrant community in Morgantown, where you can thrive professionally and personally, backed by a university recognized for its research excellence and commitment to diversity.

Benefits

Dual Career Program

Supportive work-life integration policies

Access to research funding opportunities

Collaborative academic environment

Qualifications

• Earned Doctorate degree in aerospace, mechanical, or robotics engineering required.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and potential for research funding essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an independent research program in aerospace engineering.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Robotics Engineering

Research Funding

Teaching

Communication Skills

Education

Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate in Robotics Engineering

Job description

Job Description - Assistant/Associate Professor - MMAE - Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (25517)

Position Overview

The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in the general area of Aerospace Engineering anticipated to start August 2025. The appointment shall be in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering. Applicants whose interests and expertise align with departmental focus areas including aerial and space robotics, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced aerial mobility (AAM), and/or Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) of aerospace systems are specifically encouraged to apply.

Institution Overview

West Virginia University is designated an R1 University (Highest Research Activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Statler College is growing and currently has seven academic departments, over 3,200 students, and 135 faculty members. The Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) has 30 faculty members and approximately 600 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students.

The department's annual research expenditures exceeded $14 million in the last fiscal year. Our educational programs place a strong emphasis on experiential learning in its undergraduate programs boasting numerous top 10 placements in national or international student competitions in recent years. For example, the WVU Robotics program has a strong track record of success winning 9 national or international robotics competitions since 2011 and $900K in prize from NASA Centennial Challenges. Likewise, our Experimental Rocketry team has secured numerous top placements at the Spaceport America Cup. The Department houses undergraduate and graduate programs in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, graduate programs in Materials Science Engineering, and starting in Fall 2024, the department launched Bachelor of Science Robotics Engineering in partnership with the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in the Statler College.

Location

Morgantown lies within a high technology corridor that includes several federal research facilities, such as the NASA Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility (IV&V), U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Additional details on the area and the university are available at morgantownwv.gov and wvu.edu.

Morgantown is a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly community and is ranked among the most livable small cities in the country with a close proximity to Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington, DC. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career and a range of progressive policies to support work-life integration. WVU also offers a Dual Career Program to assist partners in their career transition and job search and belongs to the OH/Western PA/WV Higher Education Recruitment Consortium.

Qualifications

Eligible candidates must hold an earned Doctorate degree in aerospace, mechanical, robotics engineering, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment. The successful candidates must demonstrate the ability or potential to (1) develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized and competitive externally-sponsored research program, (2) collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across WVU campus, other academic and government institutions, as well as the private sector, (3) teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and (4) perform professional service activities within and outside the university. A notable record of peer-reviewed publications and other scholarly activities, effective communication skills, and evidence of potential to attract competitive research funding are required for this position. Candidates for the rank of Associate Professor must have an outstanding record of teaching, research, and service.

Application Process

To apply for this position, visit careers.wvu.edu. Applicants must submit a cover letter that indicates the candidate’s specialty area of interest, a curriculum vitae, a two-page research statement, 2-3 representative research publications re-prints, a two-page statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan, and the contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024. For further information, please contact Dr. Jason Gross, Chair of the MMAE Department, by e-mail ([e-mail]), or visit our website at mmae.statler.wvu.edu.

Commitment to Diversity

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.