Assistant Professor of Solid Mechanics/Structures/Damage Tolerance

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance from the Aerospace Engineering department. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession.

Start is anticipated Fall 2027, a 9-month appointment. We seek an innovative scholar with strong teaching potential and a commitment to excellence in

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in aerospace engineering or closely related field.
• Teaching experience at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• PhD completion by May 2027 and potential for teaching and research excellence.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance.
• Establish and maintain an active research program with external funding.
• Participate in service to the department, college, and university, and engage in professional activities.
• Mentor students and supervise research projects or theses.

Skills

Teaching

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Applied research

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD by May 2027

Job description

Work Authorization and Immigration Sponsorship

Wichita State University may be able to sponsor certain facultypositions for employment-based immigration status where authorizedby the hiring department and university policy. Sponsorshipeligibility varies by faculty position and will be identified inthe individual job posting. For faculty positions eligible for sponsorship, internationalcandidates generally must be eligible for sponsorship in a visaclassification compatible with the faculty position. For tenuredand tenure-track faculty appointments, visa classificationsincompatible with such appointments include F-1 Optional PracticalTraining (OPT), J-1 Research Scholar, and J-1 Academic Trainingstatuses.

Department: Aerospace Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range beginning around $100,000/yr, commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule: Dependent on teaching assignment and researchprogram needs; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export controlrequirement.

Job Story

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College ofEngineering at Wichita State University invites applications for atenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of solidmechanics/structures/damage tolerance. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute toour academic programs and research profile. The successfulcandidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduatecourses, develop a productive research program, and provide serviceto the university and profession. This position is a 9-monthappointment with an anticipated start in the Fall of2027.

The Aerospace Engineering department is the seventh oldest in thenation. The department comprises of twelve faculty members offeringcurricula in aeronautics and astronautics. The department iscommitted to excellence in teaching, research, and student success.A large fraction of our students work throughout the year in paidjobs at the 20+ companies on the Innovation Campus. In addition tothe companies, the Innovation Campus is home to the NationalInstitute of Aviation Research (NIAR), the new Deloitte SmartFactory@Wichita, the Advanced Virtual Engineering & Testing Lab(AVET), Hub for Advanced manufacturing & Research (HAMR) andthe John Bardo Center, where both the Innovation Hub and GoCreatemaker spaces are located.

We have state of the art facilities for robotics and automation;computer aided design and manufacturing; 3D printing of plasticsand metals; composites and coatings; mechanical, structural, andenvironmental testing; failure analysis; crash dynamics; extendedreality; reverse engineering; multiple wind/water tunnels; and, aresearch machine shop. We are interested in outstanding candidateswho are committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and toa diverse campus climate.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels usingvarious instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face),hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into thecourse design and engage with industry and local business communityapplied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities(e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship,recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities,etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forthby the department and college.

Job Duties

Teaching

Develop and teach courses at the undergraduateand/or graduate level in solid mechanics/structures/damagetolerance. This includes designing curriculum and instructionalmaterials, delivering high-quality instruction in variousmodalities (in-person, online, or hybrid), and assessing studentlearning. The faculty member will mentor and advise students,including supervising research projects or theses as appropriate,and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects withindustry or community partners) into the coursework wheneverpossible.

Research/Scholarly Activity

Establish and maintain anactive research program in solid mechanics/structures/damagetolerance. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scholarly workand disseminating results in academic venues. The faculty member isexpected to seek external funding (grants or industrycollaboration) to support research activities and, whereapplicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnershipswith industry. Excellence in scholarship should be demonstrated bya record of research accomplishments or clear potential forhigh-quality research output.

Service

Participate in service activities within thedepartment, college, and university, as well as in professionalorganizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculumdevelopment, program assessment, student recruitment, and communityoutreach. The faculty member will contribute to the governance andstrategic initiatives of the department and may also engage inservice to the broader profession (e.g. reviewing for journals,involvement in academic societies).

Other

Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance withthe faculty member’s talents and departmental needs. All WichitaState faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethicalstandards in teaching, research, and service.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or aclosely related field is required.
• At least one of the degrees must be in Aerospace Engineering.Candidates must have completed the requirements for the Ph.D. byMay 2027.
• Applicants who are at an advanced stage of their doctoralstudies will be considered if they provide strong evidence that alldegree requirements will be completed prior to May 2027.
• Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in aerospaceengineering (solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance). Evidencemay include prior teaching experience, student evaluations,teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects bestpractices in instruction.
• Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship.This can be shown by publications, conference presentations,dissertation work, research proposals submitted (as PI or Co-PI) tofunding agencies, or other scholarly activities indicating theability to develop an independent research program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop collaborations as part of amultidisciplinary research teams.
• Sound understanding within the realm of solidmechanics/structures/damage tolerance.
• Knowledge to create an applied research program in the area ofsolid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance.
• Have a demonstrated record of excellence in, or showexceptional promise for, high-quality research, teaching, andprofessional development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and theability to work effectively with colleagues and students.
• The candidate should be able to collaborate in a collegialacademic environment and adapt to the interdisciplinary and appliedlearning focus of Wichita State.

Additional Information:

Work Authorization and Immigration Sponsorship

Wichita State University may be able to sponsor certain facultypositions for employment-based immigration status where authorizedby the hiring department and university policy. Sponsorshipeligibility varies by faculty position and will be identified inthe individual job posting.

For faculty positions eligible for sponsorship, internationalcandidates generally must be eligible for sponsorship in a visaclassification compatible with the faculty position. For tenuredand tenure-track faculty appointments, visa classificationsincompatible with such appointments include F-1 Optional PracticalTraining (OPT), J-1 Research Scholar, and J-1 Academic Trainingstatuses.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. Cover Letter/Letter of application addressing how thecandidate’s qualifications and experience align with theposition.
2. Teaching Statement: A statement (1-2 pages) describing teachingapproach/philosophy and experience (including course topics thecandidate can teach, mentoring experience, and any evidence ofteaching effectiveness).
3. Research Statement: A statement (1-2 pages) describing researchapproach/philosophy and experience.

A priority deadline for application review is November 15, 2026. The appointment for the position is August 2027.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%;Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment includingbut not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators –Frequent 60-90%