CHAIR & PROFESSOR, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering invites applications and nominations for a Professor and Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). Reporting to the Dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the Chair will provide strategic, intellectual, and administrative leadership for an internationally visible research and education enterprise. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar and effective organizational leader with a strong record of externally funded research, prepared to advance the department’s recognition and ranking, develop a vision for international impact, and connect the department’s strengths to consequential opportunities for Florida and the world. The Chair will join the Dean’s leadership team, advance the department and college, contribute to university priorities, and engage constructively with the state, nation, and profession. MAE is UF’s largest degree-granting unit, with nearly 60 faculty members, 500 graduate students, and 3,100 undergraduates. In 2025, annual research expenditures reached $28 million, including 15 active grants exceeding $1 million. The department’s traditional strengths include solid mechanics, design, thermal fluid systems, dynamics, and controls, alongside interdisciplinary work in autonomous systems, multiphase turbulent systems, novel energy systems, bioengineering, advanced manufacturing, computational science, and space systems. MAE also supports nearly 20 student societies and student-led design/build/compete organizations through dedicated facilities and financial support. The Chair will oversee departmental operations and guide its future strategic direction, working closely with college leadership to advance initiatives in faculty excellence, research, and education. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled; priority consideration is given to applications received by December 1, 2026.

Requirements

Earned doctorate in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.
Distinguished record of scholarship, education, mentoring, and professional contribution meriting appointment as a tenured full professor at the University of Florida.
Successful leadership in a research-intensive university or comparably complex organization, including building collaborative, high-performing organizational cultures and developing faculty, staff, and emerging leaders.
Ability to develop and articulate a compelling strategic vision to advance the department’s reputation and ranking, translating it into clear priorities, strategic investments, and measurable outcomes.
Ability to develop and expand sponsored research programs, foster collaborative research, and advance high-impact programs.
Excellent communication, judgment, integrity, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and external stakeholders.
Commitment to student success and to a scholarly and working environment where people with varied backgrounds and perspectives can contribute and thrive.
Experience with external engagement and development, such as industry partnerships, alumni outreach, and fundraising.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting, mentoring, evaluating, and retaining faculty and staff across career stages and appointment types.
Experience developing multidisciplinary initiatives, major collaborative proposals, centers, institutes, or other large-scale research activities.
Experience building productive industry partnerships, including sponsored research, consortia, or public-private collaborations.
Experience using industry engagement to strengthen education, experiential learning, workforce preparation, and research opportunities.
Ability to identify emerging funding opportunities and organize faculty and external partners around them.
Experience working with college and university leadership and across academic units.
Experience in advancement, philanthropy, alumni engagement, or development of external resources.
Professional leadership and service in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Oversee the operational management of the Department.
Create a compelling vision for advancing the department, fostering cutting-edge research in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, and connecting existing strengths to consequential opportunities.
Recruit faculty and facilitate faculty members’ professional and scholarly growth, particularly that of junior faculty.
Ensure a premier educational experience that fosters the success of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and researchers.
Elevate awareness of the department’s impact and strengthen working partnerships with UF leaders, government agencies, and industry.
Increase sponsored research and private and external funding opportunities for the department.
Cultivate corporate, governmental, alumni, and other private donations.
Foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement for faculty, staff, and students.
Advance the department and college, contribute to university priorities, and engage with the state, nation, and profession.

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