What are the responsibilities and job description for the FACULTY TENURE TRACK - 9 MONTH - COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS AND ENGINEERING position at Kent State University?
FACULTY TENURE TRACK - 9 MONTH
COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS AND ENGINEERING
JOB NUMBER: 986175
Kent Campus - Kent, OH
The School of Aeronautics in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) at Kent State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Aeronautics/Aviation Science, with an expected start date of August 2026.
We seek a dynamic, research-active faculty member committed to advancing aeronautics and aviation education, research, and innovation in a multidisciplinary and nationally distinctive college. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, curriculum development, and institutional service, while supporting the strategic growth of the School of Aeronautics across its academic and research programs.
About the School of Aeronautics
The School of Aeronautics offers a broad portfolio of programs and is recognized as one of the most comprehensive aeronautics schools in the country and the largest in the state of Ohio. Two of its undergraduate programs—Air Traffic and Airspace Management and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations (UASO)—are FAA CTI-certified, with Professional Pilot being an FAA Part 141 program. The school operates the largest academic fleet in Ohio, with 36 aircraft, and maintains pathway partnerships with every major and regional airline offering such agreements.
The School collaborates closely with the Center for Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) and partners extensively with industry and government to support emerging technologies and applied research in aviation systems, UAS, and airspace innovation. A growing emphasis on graduate education includes an existing master’s program and a strategic initiative to develop MS and PhD programs in aviation science.
About the College and Location
Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering is a national leader in aviation and engineering education and research, with more than 1,500 students and facilities that span both the Kent Campus Aeronautics and Engineering Building and the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center at the KSU Airport. In 2023, the college completed a 40,000 square foot expansion, and is currently leading a $40M capital campaign to establish new advanced air mobility hangars and training facilities.
The college offers state-of-the-industry teaching laboratories and well-supported research spaces, providing a vibrant environment for innovation and discovery.
The city of Kent, Ohio offers a community that blends university energy with small-town warmth, located just 25 minutes from Akron and under an hour from Cleveland. The region provides convenient access to two major airports, nationally ranked healthcare systems, vibrant arts and entertainment scenes, professional sports, and abundant recreational opportunities. The quality of life and affordability make it a highly desirable place to live and work.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct high-quality, externally funded research in areas aligned with aviation science, aeronautics, aerospace systems, or other impactful areas relevant to aviation and aerospace.
- Engage in collaborative research across the college, including with the Center for Advanced Air Mobility, and other research centers (the Digital Engineering Design Center, Cybersecurity, etc.).
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in aeronautics and aviation science disciplines aligned with expertise.
- Mentor students and contribute to curriculum development across the School’s programs.
- Support the expansion of graduate programs and interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Contribute to the academic mission, including service on committees, advising, outreach to prospective students, and engagement with the broader community.
Minimum Qualifications
- A completed Ph.D. in aeronautics, aviation science, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.
- Evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in research, including scholarly publications and pursuit of external funding.
- Demonstrated teaching effectiveness or potential at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, CTI program standards, and current issues in aviation education.
- Commitment to fostering a culture of collaborative learning in both teaching and scholarship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry or academic experience in one or more of the following: flight operations, aviation management, UAS integration, aviation safety and policy, air traffic management, airspace systems, or similar critical aviation areas.
- Experience with or interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration, including partnerships with government, private sector, and applied research centers.
- Knowledge of FAA Part 141/61 flight training or other professional aviation certification standards.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit:
- A cover letter expressing your interest in the position.
- A combined statement addressing research, teaching, and service philosophies and future plans.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Names and contact information for four professional references.
To be guaranteed consideration, candidates must apply by November 3, 2025. Review will continue until position is filled.
For a complete description of this position and to apply online,
visit our jobsite at https://jobs.kent.edu
Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer / Disabled / Veterans
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
