Position Function:
The Department of Aerospace Engineering (ASE) at Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for multiple tenured/tenure-track faculty positions, with priority given to candidates in the areas of Astronautics, Propulsion, and Guidance Navigation and Control. Entry at the Assistant, Associate, or full Professor rank is possible based on qualifications and experience. Outstanding candidates will be eligible for an appointment as an Endowed Chair in Aerospace Engineering.
The Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor of Aerospace Engineering is under the administrative supervision of the Department Head of Aerospace Engineering and will serve as a professional faculty member. Specific activities include teaching, research, service and advising students in the Aerospace Engineering program.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
MSU (http://www.msstate.edu) is a comprehensive public institution with an enrollment of more than 22,000 students, located in Starkville, MS. Starkville (http://visit.starkville.org) is a small college town that offers a yearly calendar of diverse cultural events. MSU is among the nation's leading major research universities, being classified as Carnegie Foundation R1 university. With over 100 tenure-track/tenured faculty members, the Bagley College of Engineering (http://www.bagley.msstate.edu) offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across eight different academic engineering departments.
The Department of Aerospace Engineering (http://www.ae.msstate.edu) currently has nine tenure-track/tenured faculty and four full-time non-tenured faculty. With over 400 undergraduate and over 70 graduate students, the department offers an ABET-accredited BS degree in aerospace engineering with concentrations in aeronautics and astronautics as well as an MS degree in aerospace engineering and a PhD degree in engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering. The ASE Department provides Engineering Mechanics instruction in support of multiple engineering disciplines within the Bagley College of Engineering.
Area of Specialization:
Aerospace Engineering
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Tenure-Track or Tenured
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples are illustrations of the various types of duties assigned to this position. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those duties from the position if the work is a logical assignment of the position.
1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering.
2. Supervise research of graduate students.
3. Write and submit proposals to prospective sponsors.
4. Engage in scholarly activities resulting in journal and conference papers.
5. Participate in cross-functional research initiatives that require coordination and collaboration among research groups, departments and research centers.
6. Establish and maintain knowledge of current sources for research support.
7. Stay informed of topic areas for which support is available
8. Serve as an active member of the technical community and participate in the activities of professional and/or technical societies.
9. Maintain contact and rapport with funding agencies and secure funding for proposed research consistent with the goals and objectives of the department.
Minimum Qualifications:
A PhD in aerospace engineering or a closely related field is required. PhD candidates will be considered contingent upon completion of their degree. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
Rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include teaching experience, a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated ability to secure external funding.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Typical office environment.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
The ASE department seeks to attract an active and culturally diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled in the scholarship of teaching, discovery, application, and integration of knowledge. Interested parties must apply online and attach a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae that includes a list of references, and a research and teaching statement. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025; applications will be accepted and reviewed until positions are filled. Questions should be directed to Dr. Adrian Sescu, Search Committee Chair, Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University, Email: sescu@ae.msstate.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
