We invite applications for a postdoctoral research fellow with prior experience in spacecraft system design and/or spacecraft technology development. These above-mentioned engineering research specialties place the candidate at the center of a growing spacecraft technology development group at the University of Dayton and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). This opportunity is a two-year postdoctoral research position that may transition to a tenure-track faculty position at the end of the second year per relevant policies of the hiring unit and University of Dayton, dependent upon demonstrated success in securing externally sponsored research; high-impact mentorship of undergraduate and graduate researchers; and development of effective, innovative teaching practices. This position is renewable annually and begins on August 16, 2025.  

The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for assisting and developing externally-funded research programs at UD related to spacecraft systems engineering and spacecraft technology development. The postdoctoral research fellow will manage a research team composed of faculty collaborators, research engineers, and graduate and undergraduate research assistants and will be directly mentored by faculty collaborators in growing a successful research and teaching program at UD. This includes direct support for project and laboratory management, proposal writing, and teaching support. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to access the research facilities of the Space & Power Systems Office at UDRI, specializing in design and production of flight-qualified Radioisotope Power Generators and developing other power-related emerging technologies. Likewise, the postdoctoral research fellow will have continuous access to the Dayton Thermal Applications (DaTA) Lab with growing laboratory infrastructure based on spacecraft thermal control hardware development. The candidate will also have the opportunity to interface with personnel at the Air Force Research Laboratory, located 10 minutes from UD campus. Because of the need for collaboration with U.S. government agencies, and the need to access controlled research facilities, U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required.

The successful candidate will engage in externally sponsored research focused on spacecraft technology development and/or spacecraft systems engineering and collaborate within the department, across the university, and externally, while using high-impact practices to mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers. The candidate will assist with administration of the University of Dayton Space Technology Exchange Program (STEP), a graduate student exchange program with the University of Leicester. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to teach courses in one of the School of Engineering departments to contribute to our premier student experiences.  The successful scholar’s research and mentorship activities will have broader impacts through outreach and service.

• EEO/AA Policy

  Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at https://udayton.edu/hr/dual-career-resources.php