Open Rank Tenure-line Faculty in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks candidates for two tenure-eligible or tenured positions in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.  The primary responsibilities for this position include research, teaching, and service to the department, university, and professional community. The appointment rank and compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

Applicants are particularly sought with expertise in hypersonic and high-speed flows, including but not limited to computational and experimental hypersonics, combustion and propulsion, aerothermodynamics and high-temperature gas dynamics, hypersonic materials and structures, hypersonic vehicle design, flight dynamics and control, and data-driven or advanced computational methods for high-speed flow applications.  However, outstanding applicants in other areas related to hypersonic and high-speed aerospace systems will also be considered.

The UVA MAE department has strong research expertise in reacting flow, hypersonics, multiphase flow, advanced flow diagnostics, high-performance computing, heat transfer in extreme environments, and robotics and autonomous systems. UVA Engineering has established research thrusts and multidisciplinary centers in several areas of aerospace engineering science and technology, including leadership and participation in the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (UCAH), the Rolls-Royce University Technology Center, the Center for Risk Management of Engineering Systems, and the previous National Center for Hypersonic Combined Cycle Propulsion.

This position is based in Charlottesville at our principal location.  UVA is a highly selective undergraduate and graduate institution that annually ranks as one of the premiere public universities in the United States, with one of the highest graduation rates in the nation. UVA is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a picturesque and vibrant small city consistently recognized as one of the nation's top places to reside. UVA's location offers proximity to the NASA Langley Research Center, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and many national security stakeholders, enriching opportunities for collaboration and engagement with numerous federal organizations. More information about the city, the school, faculty benefits and other topics can be found at https://hr.virginia.edu/careers-uva/why-uva.

Candidates must have received a doctorate or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering by the start of their appointment, and an earned B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited or equivalent program is preferred. Evidence of a commitment to high-impact scholarship, funded research, undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching and advising excellence, professional and university service, and mentoring are expected.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential to pioneer new research frontiers in aerospace science and technology by developing a competitive, externally funded research program. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to collaborate with current UVA faculty in MAE and across the University, including UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, UVA’s School of Arts & Sciences, or UVA’s School of Data Science.

In conjunction with these positions, senior graduate students are eligible and encouraged to consider the UVA Engineering Rising Scholars program. This program is designed to encourage early-career scholars to pursue a career in academia by supporting their postdoctoral work before beginning in a tenure-track position at the University of Virginia. Detailed information and application instructions are available at https://engineering.virginia.edu/rising-scholars-postdoctoral-program.

Apply for this position in Interfolio. Provide the following in PDF format: 

• Cover letter that summarizes your areas of research/scholarship, and areas of potential collaboration at the University of Virginia. To help us organize our review of applications, please also specifically list your primary areas of research in boldface at the top of your letter   
• Curriculum vitae  
• A statement describing your current research, future directions, and broader impacts;  
• A statement describing your teaching and mentoring practices, especially in regard to a residential learning environment marked by the free and collegial exchange of ideas; 
• A statement describing demonstrated contributions to fostering inclusive practices that create climates in which all stakeholders can achieve their maximum potential (please focus on skills and experience, not beliefs and opinions) 

You will also request 3-5 references directly in Interfolio by providing names and contact information in the application. These reference requests will be generated immediately once you submit your application.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.  The University will perform background checks on all new faculty hires prior to making a final offer of employment.  

For questions about these positions, please contact Haibo Dong, Professor, at hd6q@virginia.edu.