What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Post-Doc to Tenure Track Fellow position at University of Dayton Research Institute?
Position Summary
The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for assisting and developing externally-funded research programs at UD related to spacecraft systems engineering and spacecraft technology. The transition from graduate research assistant to tenure-track professor requires significant professional growth as both a technical researcher and educator; growth that is best nurtured within a team of supportive mentors with access to research infrastructure and committed graduate and undergraduate research assistants. The University of Dayton Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is seeking a postdoctoral fellow that may transition to a tenure-track faculty position with a desire to investigate and/or prior experience in spacecraft technology development and spacecraft systems level design. If you would like to take the next step toward your professional growth - apply today!
The Opportunity
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research fellow with prior experience in spacecraft system design and/or spacecraft technology development. These above-mentioned engineering research specialties place the candidate at the center of a growing spacecraft technology development group at the University of Dayton and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). This opportunity is a two-year postdoctoral research position that may transition to a tenure-track faculty position at the end of the second year per relevant policies of the hiring unit and University of Dayton, dependent upon demonstrated success in securing externally sponsored research; high-impact mentorship of undergraduate and graduate researchers; and development of effective, innovative teaching practices. This position is renewable annually and begins on August 16, 2025.
The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for assisting and developing externally-funded research programs at UD related to spacecraft systems engineering and spacecraft technology development. The postdoctoral research fellow will manage a research team composed of faculty collaborators, research engineers, and graduate and undergraduate research assistants and will be directly mentored by faculty collaborators in growing a successful research and teaching program at UD. This includes direct support for project and laboratory management, proposal writing, and teaching support. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to access the research facilities of the Space & Power Systems Office at UDRI, specializing in design and production of flight-qualified Radioisotope Power Generators and developing other power-related emerging technologies. Likewise, the postdoctoral research fellow will have continuous access to the Dayton Thermal Applications (DaTA) Lab with growing laboratory infrastructure based on spacecraft thermal control hardware development. The candidate will also have the opportunity to interface with personnel at the Air Force Research Laboratory, located 10 minutes from UD campus. Because of the need for collaboration with U.S. government agencies, and the need to access controlled research facilities, U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required.
The successful candidate will engage in externally sponsored research focused on spacecraft technology development and/or spacecraft systems engineering and collaborate within the department, across the university, and externally, while using high-impact practices to mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers. The candidate will assist with administration of the University of Dayton Space Technology Exchange Program (STEP), a graduate student exchange program with the University of Leicester. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to teach courses in one of the School of Engineering departments to contribute to our premier student experiences. The successful scholar’s research and mentorship activities will have broader impacts through outreach and service.
School of Engineering
UD’s School of Engineering (SoE) values collaboration, inclusiveness, community-engaged learning and adaptation to change. We strive to develop engineers who are socially and globally aware, understand business and entrepreneurship, are prepared to take on leadership roles and are conscious of the consequences of their work — to society, the environment and the profession. Service learning is strongly valued, whether in classroom projects or the variety of immersive technical experiences supported by The Ethos Center‘s 20 year history. Other unique features include interdisciplinary minors such as our Human Rights and Engineering minor.
University of Dayton
UD is one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities, and one of the largest private universities in Ohio., UD enrolls nearly 12,000 students, including over 8,000 full-time undergraduates. Research activity also boasts bold numbers: we are a leader in the nation for industrial and manufacturing R&D and federally sponsored engineering R&D, and number 1 in Catholic university engineering R&D. The UD campus is located 10 minutes from the Air Force Research Laboratory main campus where the successful candidate will have opportunities to develop collaborations.
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton’s environment is a great place for those who want a bit of everything with a low cost of living, great schools, and manageable traffic. UD’s campus is a walk away from The Great Miami Riverway (also home of the nation’s largest paved trail network). Our central location provides easy access to a burgeoning downtown area, expansive metro parks named for our convergence of five waterways, a vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage and National Historical Park. See daytoncvb.com for more information about the area.
At the University of Dayton, we value inclusive excellence because we recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to academic and institutional excellence. Inclusive excellence requires a comprehensive, cohesive and collaborative alignment of infrastructure, resources and actions. We strive to be active, intentional, and sustain engagement with and celebration of diversity in every dimension of institutional life. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we encourage all candidates to apply.
Minimum Qualifications
While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
Applicants must submit:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position
Closing Statement
The University of Dayton is a top tier, Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at https://udayton.edu/hr/dual-career-resources.php
The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for assisting and developing externally-funded research programs at UD related to spacecraft systems engineering and spacecraft technology. The transition from graduate research assistant to tenure-track professor requires significant professional growth as both a technical researcher and educator; growth that is best nurtured within a team of supportive mentors with access to research infrastructure and committed graduate and undergraduate research assistants. The University of Dayton Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is seeking a postdoctoral fellow that may transition to a tenure-track faculty position with a desire to investigate and/or prior experience in spacecraft technology development and spacecraft systems level design. If you would like to take the next step toward your professional growth - apply today!
The Opportunity
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research fellow with prior experience in spacecraft system design and/or spacecraft technology development. These above-mentioned engineering research specialties place the candidate at the center of a growing spacecraft technology development group at the University of Dayton and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). This opportunity is a two-year postdoctoral research position that may transition to a tenure-track faculty position at the end of the second year per relevant policies of the hiring unit and University of Dayton, dependent upon demonstrated success in securing externally sponsored research; high-impact mentorship of undergraduate and graduate researchers; and development of effective, innovative teaching practices. This position is renewable annually and begins on August 16, 2025.
The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for assisting and developing externally-funded research programs at UD related to spacecraft systems engineering and spacecraft technology development. The postdoctoral research fellow will manage a research team composed of faculty collaborators, research engineers, and graduate and undergraduate research assistants and will be directly mentored by faculty collaborators in growing a successful research and teaching program at UD. This includes direct support for project and laboratory management, proposal writing, and teaching support. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to access the research facilities of the Space & Power Systems Office at UDRI, specializing in design and production of flight-qualified Radioisotope Power Generators and developing other power-related emerging technologies. Likewise, the postdoctoral research fellow will have continuous access to the Dayton Thermal Applications (DaTA) Lab with growing laboratory infrastructure based on spacecraft thermal control hardware development. The candidate will also have the opportunity to interface with personnel at the Air Force Research Laboratory, located 10 minutes from UD campus. Because of the need for collaboration with U.S. government agencies, and the need to access controlled research facilities, U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required.
The successful candidate will engage in externally sponsored research focused on spacecraft technology development and/or spacecraft systems engineering and collaborate within the department, across the university, and externally, while using high-impact practices to mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers. The candidate will assist with administration of the University of Dayton Space Technology Exchange Program (STEP), a graduate student exchange program with the University of Leicester. Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to teach courses in one of the School of Engineering departments to contribute to our premier student experiences. The successful scholar’s research and mentorship activities will have broader impacts through outreach and service.
School of Engineering
UD’s School of Engineering (SoE) values collaboration, inclusiveness, community-engaged learning and adaptation to change. We strive to develop engineers who are socially and globally aware, understand business and entrepreneurship, are prepared to take on leadership roles and are conscious of the consequences of their work — to society, the environment and the profession. Service learning is strongly valued, whether in classroom projects or the variety of immersive technical experiences supported by The Ethos Center‘s 20 year history. Other unique features include interdisciplinary minors such as our Human Rights and Engineering minor.
University of Dayton
UD is one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities, and one of the largest private universities in Ohio., UD enrolls nearly 12,000 students, including over 8,000 full-time undergraduates. Research activity also boasts bold numbers: we are a leader in the nation for industrial and manufacturing R&D and federally sponsored engineering R&D, and number 1 in Catholic university engineering R&D. The UD campus is located 10 minutes from the Air Force Research Laboratory main campus where the successful candidate will have opportunities to develop collaborations.
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton’s environment is a great place for those who want a bit of everything with a low cost of living, great schools, and manageable traffic. UD’s campus is a walk away from The Great Miami Riverway (also home of the nation’s largest paved trail network). Our central location provides easy access to a burgeoning downtown area, expansive metro parks named for our convergence of five waterways, a vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage and National Historical Park. See daytoncvb.com for more information about the area.
At the University of Dayton, we value inclusive excellence because we recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to academic and institutional excellence. Inclusive excellence requires a comprehensive, cohesive and collaborative alignment of infrastructure, resources and actions. We strive to be active, intentional, and sustain engagement with and celebration of diversity in every dimension of institutional life. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we encourage all candidates to apply.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in an engineering discipline completed by July 16th for an August 16th position start date
- Because of the need for collaboration with U.S. government agencies, and the need to access controlled research facilities, applicants must be citizens of the United States.
- Experience in spacecraft operations, spacecraft systems or spacecraft technology.
- Articulated potential for teaching excellence, particularly employing active, experiential, and inclusive pedagogies.
- Potential to successfully:
- establish an externally-funded research program aligned with developing spacecraft research at the University of Dayton and the greater Dayton region.
- mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers using high-impact practices.
- teach courses in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- Effective written communication skills.
- Expressed commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- Successful experience in one or more of the following:
- applied spacecraft systems level design, including a demonstrated understanding of orbital dynamics.
- experimentation or modeling of applied thermal or power systems for spacecraft applications.
- engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds and supporting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Effective oral communication skills
- Effective classroom management skills
- Commitment to breadth of education including education the whole person in the Marianist tradition of social justice and a commitment of service to the community, university and profession
Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter that addresses all minimum and any preferred qualifications met.
- A curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three references who may be contacted later in the process.
- A 2-3 page document describing a vision for developing an externally-sponsored research program in one or more of the broad engineering research for the common good areas,
- A 1-2 page document describing evidence of teaching interests and philosophy
- A 1-2 page statement describing experiences and plans for contributing to inclusive excellence
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position
Closing Statement
The University of Dayton is a top tier, Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at https://udayton.edu/hr/dual-career-resources.php
