Damage Tolerance (Tenure Track)

Wichita State University•Wichita, KS

46d•$95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute to our academic programs and research profile. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession. This position is a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026. The Aerospace Engineering department within the College of Engineering at WSU is the seventh oldest in the nation. The department comprises of eleven faculty members offering curricula in aeronautics and astronautics. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student success. A large fraction of our students work throughout the year in paid jobs at the 20+ companies on the Innovation Campus. In addition to the companies, the Innovation Campus is home to the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR), the new Deloitte Smart Factory@Wichita, the Crash Dynamics Lab, and the John Bardo Center, where both the Innovation Hub and GoCreate maker spaces are located. We have state of the art facilities for robotics and automation; computer aided design and manufacturing; 3D printing of plastics and metals; composites and coatings; mechanical, structural, and environmental testing; failure analysis; crash dynamics; extended reality; reverse engineering; multiple wind/water tunnels; and, a research machine shop. We are interested in outstanding candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and to a diverse campus climate.

Requirements

Terminal degree in direct field
Teaching experience
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely 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. by the time of appointment.
Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in aerospace engineering (solid mechanics/structures/etc). Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects best practices 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) to funding agencies, or other scholarly activities indicating the ability to develop an independent research program.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students. The candidate should be able to collaborate in a collegial academic environment and adapt to the interdisciplinary and applied learning focus of Wichita State. Evidence could include references and examples of written communication.
Ability to develop collaborations as part of a multidisciplinary research teams.
Sound understanding within the realm of solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance.
Ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge to create an applied research program in the area of solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance
Have a demonstrated record of excellence in, or show exceptional promise for, high-quality research, teaching, and professional development.
Demonstrated evidence of or potential for scholarly productivity.

Responsibilities

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online).
Foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects.
Advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)
Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.
Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. This includes designing curriculum and instructional materials, delivering high-quality instruction in various modalities (in-person, online, or hybrid), and assessing student learning.
Mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.
Establish and maintain an active research program in solid mechanics/structures/damage tolerance. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scholarly work and disseminating results in academic venues.
Seek external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities and, where applicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnerships with industry.
Participate in service activities within the department, college, and university, as well as in professional organizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach.
Contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department and may also engage in service to the broader profession (e.g. reviewing for journals, involvement in academic societies).
Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member's talents and departmental needs.
Uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.