Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology

Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology

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Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology

Requisition Number:

75747

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

04-Nov-2026

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Job Summary

Job Summary

Attention: This is a listing for visibility only - DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE.

CU Boulder has engaged Opus Partners to assist in this search. To apply, please see the full search profile and instructions on the Opus Partners search page for this position. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be directed to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net

Announcement:

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks an outstanding scholar in space technology to become the Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology in the Ann and

H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. This tenured position is targeted at the level of Associate or Full Professor and will include responsibility for developing and leading an externally funded research group, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and engaging in university and professional service. Additionally, the Smead Endowed Chair will be a leader in The Smead Program, helping the program grow to be the most prestigious Ph.D. aerospace engineering fellowship program worldwide mentoring future leaders in aerospace.

The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology recognizes leadership, creativity, and technical excellence in space research. The department is seeking an experienced faculty member in the area of space technology research, a field that includes broad areas of study related to technologies enabling space flight, atmospheric re-entry of Earth or other bodies, technologies to sustain life in space, space weather, space mission development, exploration of solar system bodies, as well as space-based remote sensing technologies. Tenured faculty in the department typically include 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% leadership and service.

The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology will work closely with the Smead Program Director and other program-affiliated faculty to further enhance and raise the profile of The Smead Program.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Who We Are

CU Boulder's Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences (AES) is nationally recognized, ranked #5 among public university peers by U.S. News and World Report. AES is known for teaching and research that address both challenges and opportunities facing the aerospace profession. Students engage extensively through both classroom-based and hands-on learning in our modern facilities. CU Boulder aerospace alumni are working at top companies and research labs, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and many other aerospace companies and government institutions. Additionally, AES faculty and alumni have founded several start-up companies, including Black Swift Technologies, Advanced Space, and Blue Cubed.

AES is home to 60 tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, with over 550 graduate students, and over 1,200 undergraduates. AES's vibrant community of engineers and scientists tackle challenges in aerospace technology and science. The Department had research awards of about $40 million last fiscal year. Ongoing research activities in Smead Aerospace span five focus areas:

• Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems (ASN)
• Autonomous Systems (AUT)
• Bioastronautics (Bio)
• Fluids, Structures, and Materials (FSM)
• Remote Sensing, Earth and Space Sciences (RSESS)

AES researchers and faculty are organized into four world-class research centers to address multidisciplinary aerospace research topics: the Aerospace Mechanics Research Center (AMReC); the Research and Engineering Center for Uncrewed Vehicles (RECUV); the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR); and the BioServe Space Technologies Center (BioServe). Individual faculty also have their own laboratories to conduct aeronautics, astronautics, and computational research.

Colorado is a national leader in aerospace and industry partnerships, which play a key role in AES's research and education programs. According to the Colorado Space Coalition:

• Colorado ranks first in the nation for per-capita private aerospace workers
• Colorado has the second largest aerospace economy
• Colorado has more than 400 aerospace companies providing space-related products and services
• Colorado employs more than 190,000 individuals in space-related jobs

Candidates are encouraged to learn more about the educational mission of the department.

The Smead Program consists of Ph.D. student scholars and faculty internationally recognized for their research and character. The Smead Program is a strong community who support one another's continual growth and future goals. Through regular connections with participants, alumni, and leaders in the field, the program has built - and continues to grow - a diverse network in the fields of industry, academia, and government. The Smead Program is focused on leaders who will make an impact that benefits not only the aerospace community, but the future of humanity. The Smead Program is governed by The Smead Program Steering Committee and informed by the Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering and Applied Science, and program participants.

There are five main pillars of The Smead Program that contribute to leadership, impact, and community:

• Scholars (PhD students)
• Faculty Fellows
• Byram Distinguished Visiting Professor
• Smead Endowed Chair of Space Technology
• Smead Post-Doctoral Fellow

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The successful candidate will engage in partnership with members of The Smead Program and support the program's outreach, marketing, and communications efforts, as well as assist in recruiting new program participants.

What You Should Know

What You Should Know

DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE.

CU Boulder has engaged Opus Partners to assist in this search. To apply, please see the full search profile and instructions on the Opus Partners search page for this position. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be directed to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net

The campus has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

What We Can Offer

• The anticipated academic year (9-month) base salary range for this position is $130,000-$180,000 for an Associate Professor and $170,000-$260,000 for a full Professor.
• A relocation stipend may be available within CEAS guidelines.
• A recruitment incentive is available within Department guidelines.
• As the Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology, the successful candidate will have access to annual discretionary funds of $100,000. These funds may be used for costs such as travel, supporting graduate students, equipment, publications, etc. The Smead Endowed Chair in Space Technology may also use up to 10% of the annual discretionary funds as an additional academic year salary for their 9-month appointment.

Benefits

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

What We Require

• A research doctorate in aerospace, aeronautical, or astronautical engineering, or a closely related engineering or physical/chemical science discipline.
• The ability to meet university standards and unit criteria for tenure and appointment at the Associate Professor rank or full Professor rank as applicable. These criteria generally include having an established and ongoing program of original research, a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding, and a record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.

What You Will Need

What You Will Need

• Candidates must have an understanding and appreciation for aerospace engineering fundamentals, as well as excellent management and organizational skills and a willingness to learn quickly.
• The department seeks candidates who are strongly interested in or demonstrate effectiveness in teaching, mentoring, and inspiring diverse students of all races, nationalities, and genders, including first-generation college undergraduates. Additionally, candidates must maintain an externally funded research program in their technical area.
• The successful candidate will engage in partnership with members of The Smead Program and support the program's outreach, marketing, and communications efforts, as well as assist in recruiting new program participants.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to teach and work in a highly collaborative environment.

Special Instructions

Special Instructions

DO NOT APPLY TO THIS POSITION ON THIS SITE.

CU Boulder has engaged Opus Partners to assist in this search. To apply, please see the full search profile and instructions on the Opus Partners search page for this position. Applications submitted here on the CU Boulder Job Site WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be directed to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu

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