Associate Research Faculty in Human Health and Performance in Space

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering (ISE) at The Ohio State University invites applications for an Associate Research Faculty appointment in the area of Human Health and Performance in Space, complementing ISE's Human Systems Integration research portfolio. This position is anticipated to start as early as Fall 2026. The role involves supporting ongoing research and academic work related to health and human performance in stressful/extreme operational environments, complex engineered systems, aerospace engineering, sensors, and flight operations. Specific research interests include joint human/clinician/automation system architectures for wellness management, human-centered AI development, issues with communication time lag, advanced sensors and monitoring tools, novel human performance optimization tools, specialization of care modalities (e.g., mental health, disease/injury management), and prevention/public health capabilities. The position combines research and service, with expectations for mentoring undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students, and postdoc researchers. Collaboration across The Ohio State University, including with the Human Systems Integration group, the Human Performance Collaborative, and the Starlab Space partnership, is crucial. The incumbent will be expected to develop their own research program, secure funding through proposals, and engage in multi-investigator projects with other faculty and universities, as well as corporate and philanthropic partners. This is a twelve-month, Research Faculty appointment with a five-year renewable term. Initial salary and start-up funding for the first year will be provided by Ohio State’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), after which the incumbent is expected to generate sufficient external funds to cover their salary and benefits.

Requirements

Doctorate (Academic) or equivalent combination of education and experience with a major in Science, Engineering, or related field.
Professional experience in relevant research areas, which can include but are not limited to research on human spaceflight, aerospace hardware systems, bioastronautics, under-sea operations, aviation, control-room operations, emergency medicine.
Experience evidenced by peer-reviewed research funding, publications in conference or journals, patents and similar evidence of technological innovation, and/or honors for research achievements.
Demonstrated track record of interdisciplinary leadership and collaboration in an academic environment.
Track record of working at the intersection of academia, government agencies, and/or commercial industry.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.
Proven independence and initiative, proactive self-starter with strong project leadership skills.
Innovative thinking, openness to sharing ideas, and willingness to continuously learn.
Service on editorial boards, conference committees, and policy-making panels and boards.

Nice To Haves

A specialty area of focus in Bioastronautics, Aerospace Medicine, Human Performance, and Operations.
Previous experience working directly with federal agencies (inclusive of National Science Foundation, International Space Station National Lab, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Air Force, Space Force, and other associated federal agencies).
Operational experience in human spaceflight, Antarctic/Arctic, deep-sea, or other constrained environments.
A history of engaging in industry partnerships and external fundraising.

Responsibilities

Support ongoing research and academic work at Ohio State in areas related to health and human performance, stressful/extreme operational environments where humans are immersed and with high consequence for failure, complex engineered systems, aerospace engineering, sensors, and flight operations.
Mentor undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students, and postdoc researchers studying and performing research at the intersection of human performance and engineered systems.
Collaborate with entities across The Ohio State University, including the Human Systems Integration group, the Human Performance Collaborative, and the Starlab Space partnership.
Develop their own research program and inquiry efforts.
Secure funding through proposal writing, collaboration with other faculty and universities in multi-investigator research projects, and engagement with corporate and philanthropic giving.
Work closely with Ohio State faculty in development of joint proposals for funding.
Generate sufficient funds to cover their salary and benefits through external funding for their research (after the initial year).
Develop and submit research proposals independently and in collaboration with ISE faculty and other partners.
Disseminate research findings through conference presentations and publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals, in collaboration with research partners.
Devote approximately 10% of their effort to service activities for the ISE Department, the College of Engineering, ERIK, and the University.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance.
Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents.
State or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program.
Better Research through Better Mentoring program.
Institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning.
Dual career partner consultation.
Potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification.
Consultation and resources related to relocation.
Opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community.
Institutionalized policies promoting work-life balance.