From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The Aerospace Engineering Program within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia is seeking qualified applicants for Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty positions at all levels.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of employment, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. At the senior level, a candidate with a strong vision for Aerospace Engineering education is highly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of aerospace engineering. While all candidates will be considered, the areas of interest include but are not limited to teaching and research expertise in one of the following areas: Space/Atmospheric Flight Dynamics/Controls, Internal/External Aerodynamics for high-speed applications, and Sustainable/Next-Generation Aviation Propulsion.

USC is designated as a “high research and high service activity” university by the Carnegie Foundation. The department has six endowed chairs, 35 full-time faculty, with undergraduate enrollment of over 900 students, graduate enrollment of over 150 students, and over $10 million in research expenditures last year. The State of South Carolina is in the center of a rapidly growing Aerospace Industry in the South East region of the US. USC offers the first and only Aerospace BS program in the State of South Carolina, in addition to offering Minor, and Graduate degree programs in Aerospace Engineering.

Review of applications will begin by September 1, 2024 and will continue until positions are filled. Interested applicants should apply online at with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy , and (5) names & contact information of at least 3 references.

Questions about the departmental search may be directed to:

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Prof. Stanley Ling

stanley_ling@sc.edu; Phone: 803-576-6110

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of employment, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of aerospace engineering. While all candidates will be considered, the areas of interest include but are not limited to teaching and research expertise in one of the following areas: Space/Atmospheric Flight Dynamics/Controls, Internal/External Aerodynamics for high-speed applications, and Sustainable/Next-Generation Aviation Propulsion.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.