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Research Assistant Professor-Hypersonics

  • 497328
  • Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
  • Full-time Faculty

Salary/Position Classification

  • $90,000+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
  • 40 hours per week
  • This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The University of North Dakota, College of Engineering & Mines, seeks to hire a Research Professor with a focus on experimental aerothermodynamics, atmospheric science, modeling/simulation, and propulsion. This position will be expected to support various research related to National Security. Successful candidates will support the University’s Hypersonic Initiative to grow UND’s portfolio of research programs related to national security. Supervise students working on various research projects. Publish research papers based on this work. Produce research grants and obtain external funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with a highly collaborative group across campus to meet the contracted objectives on various research projects.
  • Develop new experimental high-speed flow facilities, including integration of novel weather impacts and projectile platforms. 
  • Conduct innovative research in high-speed aerothermodynamics and cloud microphysics and work with students to disseminate the results.
  • Mentor a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Collaborate with people across campus to pursue external funding and create novel research proposals. 

Required Competencies

  • Strong laboratory experimental background, such as wind tunnels, optics, projectiles, and cloud chambers.
  • Experience with high-speed cameras and atmospheric research equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team to solve complex research problems.


Minimum Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field with a focus on aerothermodynamics or cloud microphysics.
  • Established track record of conducting research and publishing the results in top tier conferences and/or journals.
  • Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

Export Control Compliance:
This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be used in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors.

Preferred Qualifications

  • History of successfully obtaining external research funding
  • Prior experience leading a research team
  • Experience working on projects in national security

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by January 20, 2026 and include the following materials:

  • Curriculum Vita
  • One-page statement of research
  • List of three references
  • Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.


Position is open until filled.

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, sick leave in addition to paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

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Categories: Non-Tenure-Track Faculty

Department: CEM Research Institute

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Additional Information

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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701-777-4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit. 

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.