Description
Open Rank Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rice University
https://mech.rice.edu/
https://engineering.rice.edu/
Position Description
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in aerospace engineering. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. As part of Rice University’s ongoing investment in aerospace engineering, the department is strengthening its research and educational programs through strategic faculty hiring and expanded engagement with industry and government partners. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to the continued growth of aerospace engineering at Rice while developing collaborations across the university and Houston’s broader aerospace community.
We seek candidates whose research advances the future of aerospace engineering, particularly in areas aligned with sustainable and resilient aerospace systems and/or AI-enabled physical and autonomous systems. Areas of interest include but are not limited to autonomous flight and space systems; sustainable aviation and advanced propulsion technologies; computational, data-driven, and AI-enabled aerospace engineering; resilient aerospace structures and materials; technologies for space exploration and in-space operations. Exceptional candidates whose research expands the frontiers of aerospace engineering in other areas are also encouraged to apply.
Rice seeks faculty who embrace a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and inclusive mentorship. Excellence in research and teaching will be the primary criteria for evaluation.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to establish or maintain a nationally and internationally recognized research program, contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthen collaborations across the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing and Rice University. Opportunities for collaboration with NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Houston’s rapidly growing aerospace ecosystem, including leading aerospace companies, startups, and research organizations, provide a unique environment for impactful research, technology development, and translation.
In support of these expectations, the successful candidate will develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses aligned with their expertise; establish and sustain a vigorous, externally funded research program; conduct innovative research and disseminate results through high-impact publications, conferences, and other scholarly activities; advise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers; contribute to departmental, school, university, and professional service; and foster interdisciplinary collaborations within Rice and with external partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
We welcome the fullness of diversity at Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. In our candidate pools, we seek to increase the representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in mechanical and aerospace engineering; attract scholars and students from a wide range of countries, backgrounds, and experiences; accelerate progress toward building a faculty and staff community with diverse perspectives and expertise; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction, understanding, and belonging throughout our community.
About the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of nine academic departments in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. The department includes 18 tenure-stream faculty and four teaching faculty with research and educational strengths spanning mechanics, materials, fluids, thermal sciences, controls, robotics, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and computational methods.
The department and school are undergoing a period of strategic growth, creating opportunities for collaboration across Rice University and with Houston's aerospace, energy, and healthcare sectors. The department's location provides unique proximity to NASA's Johnson Space Center and numerous aerospace companies and research organizations.
About the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing
Rice University's George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing is a nationally recognized leader in engineering research and education. The school prepares future leaders through rigorous technical training, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
About Rice University
Rice University is a private, top-tier research university located in Houston's Museum District, adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. Rice enrolls approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 4,800 graduate students across eight schools. The university is consistently ranked among the nation's leading universities and is recognized for excellence in both research and undergraduate education.
Qualifications
Application Instructions
For full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until December 15, 2026.
To apply, please submit the following materials through Interfolio:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement, up to five pages
- Statement of teaching philosophy, up to two pages
- Statement describing contributions to building an inclusive and supportive learning, research, and mentoring environment, up to two pages
- Names and contact information for at least three references who can provide letters of reference upon request
Requirements
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
Candidates will demonstrate excellence in research and scholarship appropriate to rank; a commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching; the potential to establish or sustain a highly impactful, externally funded research program; and a commitment to mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative academic community. For appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank, candidates should have a distinguished record of scholarly achievement, sustained external funding, and national or international recognition in their field.
