AeroSpace Engineer Assistant Professor

Posting Number

FAC00126PO26

Advertised Title

AeroSpace Engineer Assistant Professor

Campus

Columbia

College/Division

College of Engineering and Computing

Department

CEC Mechanical Engineering

Advertised Salary Range

To commensurate with qualifications

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

40

Position Category

Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis

9 months

Work County

Richland

Tenure Information

Tenure-Track/Tenured

Job Search Category

Faculty

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC is seeking a qualified applicant for an Assistant Professor Tenure-Track faculty position to support its growing Aerospace Engineering Program. This is a 9-month faculty Assistant Professor position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will hold a tenure home in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

The University of South Carolina and MCEC are pursuing a bold vision to support South Carolina’s expanding aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, and nuclear industries. The College seeks innovative and forward-looking faculty members who are committed to student success, outstanding research, and strengthening the U.S. and South Carolina economy and industrial base.

Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should hold a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate research accomplishments and strong potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of education in Aerospace Engineering are highly encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will be expected to establish or expand an internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of aerospace and mechanical engineering. Candidates with expertise in aerospace structures and mechanics are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, structural and nonlinear dynamics, aeroelasticity, fluid-structure interactions, smart and adaptive structures, mechanical metamaterials, and related areas that advance the field of mechanics and aerospace systems.

The successful candidates must have the ability to:

(1) Teach and develop aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula including lecture, laboratory, or design courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels,

(2) Develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program,

(3) Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams with faculty and other researchers across colleges, institutions, industry, and government; and,

(4) Participate actively in professional service and other activities that support the mission of the Department, College, University, and profession.

USC is a Flagship, R1 research university experiencing sustained growth in number of students and research. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has seven academic departments with over 40 academic programs, more than 3,600 undergraduate students, and received over $73M of competitive federal sponsored research awards in 2025. MCEC received a transformational gift naming the college in 2024 and is on a bold trajectory to continue its rapid rise in elevating student excellence, scholarly impact, and drive economic impact in South Carolina and across the US.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213702 with:

(1) a cover letter, indicating the main area of research

(2) A curriculum vitae;

(3) A concise statement of research plans;

(4) A statement of teaching philosophy, and

(5) The names & contact information of at least three references.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.”

Questions about the departmental search may be directed to:

Professor Sourav Banerjee

Required Education and Experience

Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should hold a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate research accomplishments and strong potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of education in Aerospace Engineering are highly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

The successful candidates must have the ability to:

(1) Teach and develop aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula including lecture, laboratory, or design courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels,

(2) Develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program,

(3) Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams with faculty and other researchers across colleges, institutions, industry, and government; and,

(4) Participate actively in professional service and other activities that support the mission of the Department, College, University, and profession.

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date

08/16/2027

Job Open Date

09/25/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213702 with:

(1) a cover letter, indicating the main area of research

(2) A curriculum vitae;

(3) A concise statement of research plans;

(4) A statement of teaching philosophy, and

(5) The names & contact information of at least three references.

Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213702

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.