Department:

Engineering | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Position Overview

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor rank in the area of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems. This position will start as early as Fall 2025. Specific areas of interest include the design, development, modeling, and flight testing of AAM concepts (such as eVTOL, sUAS, and others); application of nonlinear system identification and control to AAM; unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems. The successful applicant is expected to establish a vibrant research program, including the ability to attract significant Federal funding and industrial partnerships, that complements the existing capabilities of the Aerospace Research Center at Ohio State and expands MAE departmental strengths in autonomous aerospace systems. The position is open to applicants who may require sponsorship for a visa or other work authorization.

Performance Objectives

• Contribute to research activities in the Aerospace Engineering program and develop and maintain a nationally and internationally recognized externally funded research program in their technical fields.   
• Teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and supervise students and postdoctoral research. 
• Participate in service to the university and the international research community. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctorate in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related engineering or science discipline. 
• Ability to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in an inclusive way (all learners are valued and feel a sense of belonging).
• Evidence of research productivity and potential to secure external funding in AAM systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired:

• Evidence of leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively in an academic setting.
• Experience or training in mentoring and teaching.
• Evidence of an ability to work constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.
• Evidence of independent and proactive operation with strong project leadership skills.
• Evidence of innovative thinking with a willingness to share ideas and continuously learn.
• Demonstrated efforts in research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values

How to Apply

VISIT: https://osujoblinks.com/ljfj

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you apply (this includes application materials). Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload each of the items listed below.

Please include the following FIVE required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume: Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Teaching: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching and learning.
• Attachment 4: A statement of your mentoring philosophy, along with mentoring training and/or experience.
• Attachment 5: Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.

See additional application material instructions here

A list of three references upon request

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Jesse Little at little.154@osu.edu.

Application review:

Review of applications will begin by November 1.

Additional Information:

Department Information

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. We are home to more than 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 2000 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering. Our innovative and creative faculty adhere to the philosophy that true innovation depends upon the cooperation of academia, industry, and government working together to advance the goals of science and technology. Our students and faculty regularly collaborate with colleagues in other departments in the College of Engineering and with multiple other colleges across campus. Strong research relationships exist with the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, GE Aerospace, Honda of America, and numerous other industrial partners. Department faculty have over $26 million in sponsored research expenditures in areas such as advanced transportation systems (aerospace and automotive), bioengineering, energy and environmental quality, materials and manufacturing, micro- and nanotechnology, and nuclear energy while providing leadership for the Aerospace Research Center, Center for Automotive Research, the NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center, the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center.

The College of Engineering
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: The College of Engineering strives to be a national leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college engages in and leads significant efforts to increase diversity among the field's future leaders through the office of Community, Access, Retention, and Empowerment Office (CARE). The CARE office offers a variety of student-centric programming designed to increase self-efficacy and foster community and provide resources to support our faculty and staff. All faculty are expected to participate in, support, and/or lead these efforts and to contribute to the department's inclusive climate via their work in one of many ways, including but not limited to; teaching, service, mentoring and advising. For more information about CARE, visit https://engineering.osu.edu/CARE.

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and institutional memberships to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, and the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

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The Ohio State University sets the stage for academic achievement and innovation. It's where friendships are forged, tradition is brought to life and a better global community is built. Our mission is as clear today as it was 150 years ago: to illuminate a pathway to education, research and health care that creates vibrant futures. Faculty, staff, and students build the incomparable Buckeye spirit through collaboration, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our strength comes from our ability to bring out the best in people and learn from Buckeyes of all backgrounds, passions, and talents.

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster