Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics - Department Head - 530189

The University of Alabama•Tuscaloosa, AL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) and the Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering (SCoE) at The University of Alabama (UA) invite applications for the position of Department Head. This is a full-time, tenured position at the rank of Professor. We seek an accomplished scholar and proven leader to advance the department’s research, teaching, and service missions while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Candidates with research interests across all domains relevant to aerospace engineering and mechanics are encouraged to apply. The AEM department and College are looking for a Department Head who will (1) build upon existing strengths in the department, College, and University, (2) lead the department in its mission to provide a high-quality education, conduct innovative research, and serve the aerospace community in the state and nation, (3) advance the research scope within the department, College, and UA, and (4) foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. Candidates with prestigious achievements, significant impact in their fields, and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as an Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor. This is a very exciting time to join the AEM Department and the Styslinger College of Engineering at The University of Alabama—a Carnegie R1 institution. Located in Tuscaloosa AL, the university offers a vibrant community, excellent quality of life, and proximity to major aerospace and technology hubs in the southeast including Huntsville and Mobile, AL. The College has experienced tremendous growth in its faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise over the past decade. The College currently has more than 4,800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students, making it one of the largest engineering colleges in the nation. The AEM department has also seen significant growth in recent years, with undergraduate program enrollment of 570 students in the fall of 2025, graduate enrollment of nearly 200 students, and 21 faculty and instructors. The AEM department currently offers three degrees: a BS in Aerospace Engineering, an MS in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The two graduate programs are offered both on-campus and through distance education. The department is currently on a multi-year effort to significantly expand its faculty size to help better serve its students and educational mission and to add both depth and breadth to the range of research activities represented across the department and its faculty. The next Department Head should demonstrate national and international recognition in aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics, with a sustained record of external funding and a proven ability to lead large-scale research initiatives, multi-investigator grants, and industry or government partnerships. A strong commitment to collaboration across the department, college, and university is expected, along with a vision for advancing the department’s research profile and its role in addressing national and global challenges. AEM and the SCoE consider teaching, research, and service as the three critical and complementary portions of their overall mission. The successful candidate should also bring a strong record of successfully mentoring faculty, staff, and students, including supporting their career development. Demonstrated experience in developing new curricula, interdisciplinary programs, or innovative teaching methods and a commitment to ensuring the continued strength and accreditation of AEM’s core degree programs is highly desirable. The department, college, and university are also notable for the collegial, welcoming, and supportive spirit built into the fabric of who we are and how we interact across our family of students, faculty, and staff. It is therefore expected that candidates will demonstrate an ability to support this important aspect of our community.

Requirements

Earned Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution
Research, teaching, and service credentials commensurate to meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of full Professor with tenure
Strong collaborative, organizational, and communication skills
Successful mentoring of junior faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students
Demonstrated leadership in an academic and/or research setting
Ability to articulate a vision for advancing the department’s, the college’s and university’s missions

Nice To Haves

International recognition in an aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics research field with a track record of sustained funding and leading large-scale research initiatives, multi-investigator grants, or industry & government partnerships
Exceptional collegial and interpersonal skills demonstrated with successful university collaborations, industrial engagement, and donor relations
Experience developing new, innovative curricula and interdisciplinary programs
Leadership roles in national or international professional organizations, editorial boards, or advisory committees
Strong administrative experience including faculty and staff development/mentoring, hiring, scheduling, and budget planning

Responsibilities

Build upon existing strengths in the department, College, and University.
Lead the department in its mission to provide a high-quality education, conduct innovative research, and serve the aerospace community in the state and nation.
Advance the research scope within the department, College, and UA.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Support the career development of faculty, staff, and students.
Ensure the continued strength and accreditation of AEM’s core degree programs.
Support the collegial, welcoming, and supportive spirit of the community.