Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Position, LEGACY Program

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Job Title:

Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty Position, LEGACY Program

Department:

Engineering | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Tenure faculty (regardless of rank) - persons with the titles of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and instructor who serve on appointments totaling 50% or more service to the university and who are eligible for tenure or who have obtained tenure. Duties and responsibilities are assigned in accordance with the workload guidelines laid out in the pattern of administration of each faculty member’s tenure initiation unit (TIU) and, as appropriate, regional campus; obligations will include research, service and/or teaching or clinical practice.  These faculty will have earned doctorate or other terminal degree in the relevant field of study or possession of equivalent experience.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Aerospace Research Center

College of Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at The Ohio State University invites applications for the College of Engineering’s Fellow to Faculty program in the area of Aerodynamic Measurement Technology (AMT). The Fellow will hold a disciplinary appointment in MAE at The Ohio State University. The Fellow will start as early as Autumn 2026 and work closely with primary research mentors housed in the Aerospace Research Center (ARC) within MAE. 

Position Overview

The College of Engineering’s Tenure-Track Fellow to Faculty (F2F) Program is a two-year initiative designed to support early-career (i.e., postdoctoral) scholars in transitioning to a tenure-track position. This program provides Fellows with a structured, evidence-based mentoring model, allowing them to focus full-time on the development and expansion of their independent research portfolio for two years. During this period, Fellows have limited teaching and service requirements. Additionally, Fellows will have PI status, access to startup funding and participate in career development programs to facilitate their transition to a tenure-track assistant professor role and long-term success.

This opportunity has the option for a 9/12 or 12/12 position.

 

The Fellow will actively engage in scholarly activities within MAE and will develop a team of primary (i.e., research), secondary (i.e., teaching and service), and interdisciplinary mentors in areas of the Fellow’s choosing to guide their progress. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, the Fellow will immediately transition to a faculty position at the rank of tenure-track assistant professor within their home unit, and the tenure clock will begin. Since the offer for the faculty position is secured at the start of the program, the Fellow will not need to re-interview for the tenure-track role if they are in good standing. At that time, MAE will further facilitate the mentoring, promotion, and tenure process, ensuring a smooth and supportive pathway to career advancement.

The successful applicant is expected to establish a vibrant research program, including the ability to attract significant Federal funding and industrial partnerships, that complements the existing capabilities of the ARC at Ohio State and expands MAE departmental strengths in aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics.

Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Performance Objectives

During the two-year program, the Fellow will be expected to:

• Progress toward independent research, co-mentor graduate and undergraduate students, participate on collaborative research teams, and present to technical audiences.
• Form research, teaching, and personal networks to inform their holistic growth as a Fellow.
• Engage in relevant department, college, university, and disciplinary communities that promote professional and personal advancement.
• Engage in one-on-one and group sessions with mentors who will guide and critique the Fellow’s progress.
• Reflect and respond to formative and summative feedback of scholarly progress to advance their career trajectory.

After two years and the Fellow’s transition to Assistant Professor:

• Engage in research, teaching, and service activities appropriate to the promotion and tenure of an assistant professor in MAE.
• Develop and maintain a nationally and internationally recognized externally funded research program in their technical field.
• Teach and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and supervise student and postdoctoral research.
• Participate in service to the university (internal) and the non-university (external) research community.

Qualifications

Required for Fellows:

• Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related engineering or science discipline. 
• Evidence of research accomplishments (papers, presentations, products, outreach, etc.) and potential to secure funding in AMT.
• Evidence of interest in excellence in teaching and mentoring related to AMT.
• Ability to learn from and engage with mentors, colleagues, and students with differing perspectives and backgrounds
• Ability to work with others in a collaborative, positive, congenial, and professional team environment
• Willingness to receive and act on formative and summative feedback from mentors in the F2F program

Desired:

• Dissemination of findings at national conferences and within peer-reviewed scholarly journals
• Openness to out of the box thinking and the application of nontraditional thinking to one’s discipline
• A commitment to interdisciplinary education and collaborative research, particularly in the context of ongoing research at Ohio State

Required for Assistant Professor (at the end of two years):

• Evidence of research productivity and potential to secure external funding in AMT.
• Ability to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Evidence of innovative thinking with a willingness to share ideas and continuously learn. 

Desired for Assistant Professor (at the end of two years):

• Evidence of leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively in an academic setting. 
• Experience or training in mentoring and teaching. 
• Evidence of an ability to work constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams. 
• Evidence of independent and proactive operation with strong project leadership skills. 
• Demonstrated efforts in research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State’s Shared Values 

Additional Information:

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances. 

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume (do not include pictures in your CV/resume): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
  • Your research questions and their importance; how your research contributes to your field
  • Research plan and future research directions
  • Identify potential collaborations and funding sources
  • Broader impacts of your research (the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes)
  • Plan for student engagement in your research program.
• Attachment 4: Teaching Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
  • A personal vision for teaching and learning.
  • A description of teaching strategies or approaches for which you received training or have implemented.
  • Justification for those strategies, focusing on evidence-based practice, highlighting how to achieve an effective learning environment for all students regardless of their backgrounds, expectations, and needs.
• Attachment 5: Mentoring Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
  • Your mentoring philosophy
  • Describe previous mentoring training and/or experience
  • State mentoring skills you consider fundamental, including those necessary to effectively mentor students from any cultural background.

Please do not include a list of references with your application. We will request this information when we need it.

For technical questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Jesse Little at little.154@osu.edu

For questions on the LEGACY program, please contact Prof. Monica Cox at cox.1192@osu.edu

Application review:

Review of applications will begin by November 15, 2025.

Department Information - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. We are home to more than 80 faculty and over 35 dedicated staff members. Approximately 2000 undergraduates are pursuing a degree in either Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering through rigorous programs that feature hands-on, project-based learning. Nearly 300 graduate students are seeking a degree in either Mechanical, Aerospace, or Nuclear Engineering. Our innovative and creative faculty adhere to the philosophy that true innovation depends upon the cooperation of academia, industry, and government working together to advance the goals of science and technology. Our students and faculty regularly collaborate with colleagues in other departments in the College of Engineering and with multiple other colleges across campus. Strong research relationships exist with the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, GE Aerospace, Honda of America, and numerous other industrial partners. Department faculty have over $26 million in sponsored research expenditures in areas such as advanced transportation systems (aerospace and automotive), bioengineering, energy and environmental quality, materials and manufacturing, micro- and nanotechnology, and nuclear energy while providing leadership for the Aerospace Research Center, Center for Automotive Research, the NSF IUCRC Smart Vehicle Concepts Center, the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center. 

The College of Engineering

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and an institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

Scott Laboratory (0148)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.