Position Available: The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) at the University of Oklahoma is seeking candidates who can bring energy and passion to a teaching-focused Assistant Professor of Engineering Practice in aerospace engineering.  The position is a three-year rank renewable term contract, with an opportunity to advance to the ranks of Associate and Full Professor of Engineering Practice. This position is part of a larger initiative defined in the Gallogly College of Engineering strategic plan for growing enrollment and improving retention. The State of Oklahoma is investing in engineering in support of growing engineering graduates for the state workforce.  Candidates seeking to work in a rapidly-growing School and College, in collegial interdisciplinary groups, and towards the mission of student success, are encouraged to apply. 

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in aerospace engineering such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft stability and control, and aircraft structures and will guide capstone design projects and student competition teams. The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving retention and graduation rates for aerospace engineering students. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to excellent and innovative instruction, an ethos of care and support of students, effective mentorship and guidance of students, and a commitment to building collaboration. Candidates with an interest in educational research are welcome and will have opportunities for collaboration with current and new faculty.

Department and Region: AME currently has 31 full-time faculty members, over 800 undergraduate, and about 100 graduate students. The AME student body is active in numerous competition teams, student organizations, and undergraduate research and has one of the most rapidly growing enrollments in the college. Both AME and the Gallogly College of Engineering are experiencing strong growth in research, corporate and private donations, as well as student enrollment. More information about AME is available at http://www.ou.edu/coe/ame.

The University of Oklahoma (OU): OU is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic and health-care needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: the main campus in Norman, the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. OU enrolls over 31,000 students and has more than 2,900 full-time faculty members. Visit https://www.ou.edu/facultyrecruitment for more information.

Norman is a culturally rich and vibrant town located in the Oklahoma City metro area. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on the “Best Places to Live” rankings.

The University of Oklahoma invests in its faculty by providing support and resources through our Center for Faculty Excellence (https://www.ou.edu/cfe) and Vice President for Research and Partnerships Office (https://www.ou.edu/research-norman). The College and School support faculty development through mentoring, new faculty orientation series, and access to research and educational support.

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering or in a closely-related discipline by the time the position begins. Preferred qualifications include relevant industrial experience, experience teaching sophomore and junior-level students, experience advising capstone projects, student competitions teams, and student organizations.

Candidates are invited to submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a teaching portfolio; (3) a curriculum vitae; and (4) a list of at least three references.  The cover letter may address examples of the candidate’s approach to teaching and experiences and how their background supports success of undergraduate students.

Review of candidates will begin on October 28, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The start date for the position is expected to be August 16, 2025.

Candidates are requested to submit their applications at http://apply.interfolio.com/. Please email amefacultysearch@ou.edu with any questions about the position.