Clinical Faculty (Professor of Practice) in Aerospace Engineering (Open Rank)

Department of Aerospace Engineering

Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time clinical faculty position at the rank of assistant, associate, or full level. Such positions carry a “Professor of Practice” working title. The successful candidate will join the department’s thriving community of faculty and will make a significant impact on aerospace engineering education by providing instruction to graduate and undergraduate students based on their knowledge gained from practical, real-world engineering experience. Candidates in all areas relevant to Aerospace Engineering will be considered, especially applicants who complement current expertise. Applicants focused on spacecraft engineering and design are especially encouraged to apply.

A clinical faculty member in Aerospace Engineering:

· Has the exceptional flexibility to define the focus of their position, in collaboration with the department, and how they will demonstrate positive impact on students, the technical discipline, and society.

· Is a member of the department faculty with voting rights.

· Is expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, usually two per semester. Courses tend to be focused on bringing practical, real-world experience and knowledge to students.

· May supervise student research as appropriate and collaborate with colleagues inside and outside of the department and University. They may establish research programs, manage labs, lead testing programs, and/or modeling campaigns for purposes they identify, and may write proposals to outside entities to support such endeavors.

There are extensive departmental and university support and resources available to clinical faculty, including:

· Eligibility for multi-year contract appointments and additional summer salary, plus the option to engage in outside consulting work one day per week, all in compliance with university policies.

· Start-up funding is negotiated at the time of offer acceptance that may be used, for example, to purchase research and/or teaching equipment and/or software, support graduate student stipends, and support travel to attend conferences.

· State-of-the-art laboratories including new satellite and drone laboratories. The satellite laboratory has cleanroom, thermal vacuum, electronics and assembly stations to support students, faculty, and other industry and government customers. The flight/drone lab is a facility to manufacture and test all aspects of UAV design and includes a 25’x30’ motion capture room.

· Dual-career program and family support resources. We have an active and successful dual-career partner placement program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (http://provost.illinois.edu/faculty- affairs/work-life-balance/).

· To find out more about the resources available at the university and Urbana-Champaign community please visit these sites: Dual-career program, Benefits, and Living In CU.

Practical experience is paramount, but all candidates should have at least a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field. A Masters or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field is preferred. Prior experience teaching aerospace engineering courses and mentoring and advising students and/or early career professionals is desirable, but not required. Candidates with prior experience in aerospace design, research, development, and/or engineering programs in industry or government organizations are encouraged to apply. Candidates with spacecraft engineering and design experience are especially encouraged to apply. The Department of Aerospace Engineering is committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment, with a focus on diversifying the faculty. We are seeking faculty who can provide quality instruction while also contributing to the diversity and excellence of our department.

This is a renewable, non-tenure track faculty position appointed on a 9-month service basis paid over twelve months. The proposed start date is August 16, 2025; however, this is negotiable. Salary is also negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The budgeted salary range for this position varies by academic rank. At the Clinical Assistant Professor level, the budgeted salary range is $90,000 to $110,000. For Clinical Associate Professors, the budgeted salary range is $110,000 to $130,000. Clinical Professors have a budgeted salary range of between $130,000 and $150,000. Candidates are eligible for additional summer salary from their sponsored research or start-up package, or from the department for summer teaching or other efforts in support of the research, teaching, and service missions of the department.

To apply for this position, please create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu/ and upload your cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, statement of service, diversity statement, and names/contact information for three references by January 15, 2025. The statements of teaching and service should address past and/or potential future plans for providing positive impact on students, the technical discipline, and society. The statement on diversity should address past and/or potential future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional resources on preparing application materials can be found at these sites: Grad College Faculty Applications and Grainger College of Engineering DEI guidelines.

Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Kathy Atwood at kbuss@illinois.edu.