(Open Rank) Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Astronautical Engineering

The University of Southern California invites applications for tenure-track and tenured positions in the Department of Astronautical Engineering (https://astronautics.usc.edu) in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering (https://viterbischool.usc.edu).  We seek outstanding faculty candidates at all ranks in all areas of Astronautical Engineering.  The USC Viterbi School is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and welcomes applications from women; individuals of African, Hispanic and Native American descent; veterans; and individuals with disabilities.

We invite applications from candidates wishing to be considered at the tenure-track Assistant Professor rank who have research interests in technologies and systems supporting human and robotic operations in space, which is a priority area for the department.  We also invite applications from more senior candidates wishing to be considered at the tenured Associate Professor or full Professor ranks who have an outstanding record of accomplishment in Astronautical Engineering areas that align with USC’s $1 billion Frontiers of Computing initiative—the largest, most comprehensive academic initiative in the university’s history (https://computing.usc.edu). This initiative has already resulted in the creation of the new USC School of Advanced Computing (https://sac.usc.edu), which aims to advance computing research and expand USC’s presence in Silicon Beach, L.A. County’s tech corridor. Candidates in this senior rank search area have the opportunity to be affiliated with our new USC School of Advanced Computing, with priority given to those whose research aligns with one or more of the following affinity areas: computing and (i) sustainability, (ii) security, and/or (iii) systems. Applicants are required to incorporate into their research and teaching statements at least one page that clearly describes how their research and teaching interests and accomplishments align with at least one of these affinity areas. Applications that do not address the affinity areas in their statements will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process.  Outstanding senior applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership, and whose past activities document a commitment to issues involving the advancement of women in science and engineering may be also considered for the Lloyd Armstrong, Jr. Endowed Chair, which is supported by the Women in Science and Engineering Program endowment.

Successful candidates will be able to teach undergraduate and graduate courses; mentor undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers; and develop a strong funded research program. Applicants must have an earned doctoral degree in aerospace-related engineering, physics, or a related field, as well as a strong research and publication record. Applications must include a cover letter clearly indicating area(s) of specialization, a detailed curriculum vitae, a concise statement (up to 2 pages) of current and future research directions, a teaching statement (no more than 1 page), and contact information for three professional references. Applicants are encouraged to include a succinct statement on fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. Applications submitted at https://astro.usc.edu/ttposition by January 15, 2025, will be given full consideration; applications received after this date may not be considered. 

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is among the top tier engineering schools in the world. It counts 213 full-time, tenure-track faculty members, and it is home to the Information Sciences Institute, the Institute for Creative Technologies, two previously awarded National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers, a Department of Energy EFRC (Energy Frontiers Research Center), and the Department of Homeland Security’s first University Center of Excellence, CREATE. The School is affiliated with the USC Stevens Center for Innovation. Research expenditures typically exceed $177 million annually.

The annual base salary range for the following faculty ranks in this posting are:

    • Assistant Professor: $114,000 - $136,000

    • Associate Professor: $136,000 - $163,000

    • Professor: $173,000 - $236,000

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is committed to enabling the success of dual career families and fosters a family-friendly environment.  USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.