AeroSpace Engineer Assistant Professor

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

banerjes@cec.sc.edu; +1 803-777-4596