Assistant Professor Physics Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description SummaryORGANIZATION SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (www.aero.umd.edu) invites applications for one or more full time, tenure-track assistant professor position(s) in space exploration. Highest priority will be given to applicants who will utilize the unique experimental capabilities afforded by UMD's Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility. Applicants will be expected to develop a strong research program and complementary to existing research capabilities. Additionally, successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the graduate and undergraduate course offerings in this area.
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering or a closely-related field by the start date of employment. Successful candidates should be effective communicators and have an ability and interest in working with diverse student populations having a variety of backgrounds, learning styles, and skill levels.
The Aerospace Engineering department has six named faculty professorships, 23 full-time faculty, an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 660 students, graduate enrollment of over 140 students, and over $14 million in research expenditures last year (FY25). The department is also home to the only university-hosted Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility, a 50-foot diameter, 25-foot deep water tank that is used to simulate the different gravity environments of space. Additionally, ASTRA-UMD (www.astra.umd.edu) is a new college-wide center to promote space exploration research across departments and promote ties with key local partners (NASA Goddard, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Naval Research Laboratory). We welcome candidates that would strengthen ties with external and internal partners. Close proximity to downtown Washington, DC provides access to key elements of the federal research and development infrastructure.
For best consideration, applications should be received by February 2, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. Based upon our commitment to achieving excellence through diversity and inclusion, those who have experience engaging with a range of faculty, staff, and students and contributing to a climate of inclusivity are encouraged to discuss their perspectives on these subjects in their application materials. The review of applications will begin as they are received and continue until the positions are filled.
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering or a closely-related fieldAdditional Job DetailsFinancial Disclosure RequiredNoDepartmentENGR-Aerospace EngineeringWorker Sub-Type Faculty RegularSalary Range$133,000-$174,000Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources

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