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The College of Engineering at USF invites applications for an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic and rapidly growing department. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build consensus while advancing the department's strategic vision of excellence in engineering education, high-impact research, and professional leadership that serves global development. The Chair will work closely with departmental faculty and partners throughout the College of Engineering and the University of South Florida to strengthen and expand Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering programs. The appointment is expected to begin in August 2026.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Candidates should qualify to be appointed as a tenured full professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The successful candidate will articulate a vision to continue elevating USF MAE's vibrant and internationally recognized research efforts, its excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and its engagement with federal, industrial and community partners and funding agencies. They will demonstrate a record of leadership in areas relevant to these goals, including the following:

• Success in leadership roles including activities such as recruiting, program development, mentorship, team-building, and staff supervision.
• Demonstrated record of mentoring students, staff, and junior faculty contributing to their successful career progression and development;
• An internationally recognized scholarship profile;
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality pedagogy and student development;
• A significant record of leadership (elected or nominated) in professional institutes and societies

Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications for the position
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least four professional references who can speak to both scholarly achievements and administrative experience
• A statement of leadership philosophy, interests, and strategic vision
• A statement describing current research and future research plans. 

The department has 31 faculty members and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. Faculty in the department actively collaborate with colleagues across the College of Engineering and other USF colleges, including Medicine, Arts & Sciences, Marine Science, Education, Nursing, and Public Health. The department also maintains strong partnerships with several USF research centers, such as the Nanotechnology Research and Education Center, Center for Urban Transportation Research, Center for Assistive Rehabilitation & Robotics Technologies, Clean Energy Research Center, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, and Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research.

Established in 1964 and led by Dean Levi Thompson, the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is ranked #56 among public institutions (#89 overall) by U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 engineering graduate school rankings. The college serves more than 3,500 students, offering seven bachelor's programs, which are ABET-accredited, as well as nine master's and seven doctoral degrees. The college is actively engaged in local and global research activities with $46.9 million in research expenditures for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

The college has 12 major research centers and institutes and is actively engaged in local and global research activities focused on sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology and transportation.

The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. For four consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation's top 50 public universities, including USF's highest ranking ever in 2023 (No. 42). In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of the leading universities in the United States and Canada. Through hundreds of millions of dollars in research activity each year and as one of top universities in the world for securing new patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at http://www.usf.edu

The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Vinay Gupta, Search Committee Chair, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida, 33620. Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must electronically submit the application packet as one PDF file to Oracle Recruitment

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.