Assistant Professor of Teaching in Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Merced invites applications for the position of full-time Assistant Professor of Teaching in Aerospace Engineering with potential security of employment (parallel to tenure track). This position will have responsibilities to coordinate and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in all areas of Aerospace Engineering with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

The Professor of Teaching series parallels that of the research-focused series but with an emphasis on excellence in teaching and other instruction-related activities. Individuals in the position are expected to provide outstanding teaching and engage in professional activity, including but not limited to research on pedagogy and service related to the pedagogical mission of the School of Engineering and UC Merced.

This appointment confers membership in the Academic Senate, and, contingent upon promotion, tenure- paralleling security of employment. Appointment, merit, and promotion in the Professor of Teaching series requires, in addition to excellence in teaching and service, that the candidate makes externally recognized contributions to research/creative activity in pedagogy and/or the discipline.

Preferred candidates: (1) have teaching experience or evidence of the ability to teach, particularly using student success centered approaches; (2) have demonstrated management or organizational skills and be comfortable advising students on industrial career paths, entrepreneurship, and graduate study opportunities; and (3) be interested in pushing design thinking and experience forward with a teaching approach that is suited to recent needs.

Candidates will require a Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related area at the time of appointment, which will be effective July 1, 2026.

Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related area at the time of appointment. All but dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered but will require the Ph.D. to be completed by the start date.

Preferred qualifications include:

• B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering
• Experience teaching courses at the undergraduate level
• Industry or postdoctoral experience
• Experience developing new undergraduate courses
• Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate students
• Record of interdisciplinary work and collaboration

• 3 required (contact information only)

Please enter the names and contact information for three references to provide letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be solicited further along the recruitment process.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.