Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Space Studies Department

University of North Dakota • Grand Forks, ND

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Space Studies Department at the University of North Dakota seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in Human Factors. This onsite, 9-month appointment is based at UND’s Grand Forks campus and is anticipated to begin January 1, 2027. The position involves teaching, research, and service, and will enhance the department’s existing emphasis in this field. Space Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences, an M.S. in Space Studies, and an undergraduate minor.

The successful applicant will develop and grow a human factors research program, teach up to four courses per academic year depending on department needs and research activity, advise graduate students, serve on research committees, and contribute service to the scholarly community, University, and Department. The position’s anticipated effort distribution is 30% research, 50% teaching, and 20% service and related activities.

The position requires knowledge and teaching skills in human factors engineering, ergonomics, human-system integration, aerospace physiology, space medicine principles, human performance, habitability, anthropometry and biomechanics, human-computer interaction, workload and situational awareness, environmental effects on human performance, and human factors for space exploration missions. The salary range is $72,000–$75,000 for the 9-month appointment, commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Aerospace Sciences, Human Factors, or Astronautics from a regionally accredited university.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead a team of academic professionals.
• Ability to visualize and develop research, educational, and outreach programs that serve North Dakota and the space community.
• Successful completion of a criminal history records check.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Visa sponsorship for continued employment is not supported.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the needs and proposal processes of potential funding agencies.
• Established history of externally funded research and publication.
• Current extramural funding.
• Graduate-level teaching experience.
• Research aligned with funding agency opportunities and departmental needs.
• Active membership in national or international professional organizations.
• Current professional contacts within space academic, public service, or industry communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow a research program in human factors.
• Teach up to four courses per academic year, depending on department needs and research activity.
• Advise graduate students and serve on research committees.
• Provide service to the scholarly community, University, and Department.
• Develop research, educational, and outreach programs that serve North Dakota and the space community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree