Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Space Studies Department

University of North Dakota

Full-time

Grand Forks, ND, USA

USD 72k-75k / year

Posted on Nov 3, 2026

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Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Space Studies Department

499732

Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

Full-time Faculty

Salary/Position Classification

$72,000-$75,000 9-month contract, Exempt
- Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
40 hours per week
This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Department of Space Studies seeks appointment of one faculty member at the assistant professor level, tenure-track, in the area of Human Factors. A Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences, Human Factors or Astronautics is required. This position will involve teaching, research, and service. The anticipated start date for the position is January 1, 2027.

Space Studies is an interdisciplinary program featuring a Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences, an M.S. degree in Space Studies, and an undergraduate minor. This faculty position will enhance and complement the department’s current emphasis in this field. This position will require knowledge and teaching skills in the following disciplines: human factors engineering, ergonomics, human-system integration, aerospace physiology, space medicine principles, human performance, habitability, anthropometry and biomechanics, human-computer interaction, workload and situational awareness, environmental effects on human performance, and human factors for space exploration missions.

Purpose of Position

The successful applicant will be expected to develop and grow a research program in human factors (30% effort). It is anticipated that the teaching load will be up to 4 courses per academic year (50% effort), dependent on department needs and the level of research being conducted. Graduate student advisement, research committee membership, as well as service to the scholarly community, University, and Department is expected to constitute an additional 20% of effort.

Information about UND

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls more than 15,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & Responsibilities

This position is for an Assistant Professor with a 9-month appointment.
The position will be primarily focused on teaching and research with some service.
It is anticipated that the teaching load will be up to 4 courses per academic year, dependent on department needs and the level of research being conducted. - (Essential)

Required Competencies

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to lead a team of academic professionals.
Ability to visualize and develop research, educational and outreach programs that serve North Dakota and the space community.

Minimum Requirements

Earned doctorate in Aerospace Sciences, Human Factors or Astronautics from a regionally accredited university.
Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with the needs and proposal processes of potential funding agencies.
Established history of externally funded research and publication.
Current extramural funding.
Teaching experience at graduate level.
Alignment of applicant’s research with funding agency opportunities and with departmental needs.
Active membership in national or international professional organizations.
Current professional contacts within the space academic, public service, or industry communities