Description

Assistant Research Professor Position - Physical AI for Autonomous Aviation
SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS and DISCOVERY PARK CENTER AIDA³

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAE) and the Purdue Center on AI for Digital, 
Autonomous, and Augmented Aviation (AIDA³) invite applications for a research faculty position at 
the rank of Assistant Professor from candidates whose expertise aligns with the AIDA³’s research 
pillars focused on safe and trustworthy AI/ML for (a) human-autonomy teaming, (b) autonomous 
navigation & control, (c) supply-chain optimization, (d) remote sensing, (e) cybersecurity in 
autonomous aviation. These pillars align with AAE’s research themes of (i) safe, sustainable air 
transportation; (ii) access to, working in, and exploring space; (iii) maintaining national defense 
and security; and (iv) enabling new opportunities through aerospace. This search seeks candidates 
who will make advances and fundamental contributions to AIDA³’s pillars (a) and (b) and to AAE’s 
themes (i), (iii), and (iv).

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline by 
the employment start date and demonstrate potential to build an independent research program with 
externally funded research to complement initial AIDA³ support. The research faculty member will 
develop relationships with research sponsors and AIDA³ consortium members; additionally, they will 
lead or assist in the continuing development of Purdue resources that support uncrewed aviation 
research.

Purdue AAE is recognized consistently as an international leader for the quality of our educational 
programs, the innovation and depth of our graduate research program, and the impact we have on 
technology and workforce in the aerospace industry. AAE is the largest US aerospace engineering 
program by the number of degrees granted; our enrollment includes over 1200 undergraduate students 
and over 600 graduate students. We are the 3rd-ranked undergraduate and 2nd-ranked graduate 
aerospace engineering program in the US. Additional information is at 
https://engineering.purdue.edu/AAE.

Purdue Engineering is one of the largest and top-ranked engineering colleges in the nation and is 
renowned for top-notch faculty, students, unique research facilities, and a culture of collegiality 
and persistent pursuit of pre- eminence. According to the latest US News and World Report’s 
disciplinary graduate program rankings, Purdue Engineering has 3 disciplines ranked in the top 5 in 
the country and 10 in the top 10. Purdue Engineering as a whole is ranked 3rd for online graduate 
engineering programs, 6th for graduate programs. For three years running, Purdue is ranked by the 
USPTO as the No.2 University campus in the US in terms of annual number of US patents issued, and 
nearly 70% of those patents come from Purdue Engineering. The College Vision for 2030 is guiding 
strategic growth in new directions, by investing in people, exciting initiatives, and facilities.

To apply, please submit an application to this site including: (1) a cover letter, (2) a complete 
curriculum vitae,
(3) a research plan, and (4) names and contact information for at least three references. The 
search committee may contact references to request letters. For information/questions regarding 
applications contact the Office of Academic Affairs, at [email protected]. Review of 
applications will begin on October 13, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. A 
background check is required for employment in this position.

Link to apply:https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Professor-Research-Assistant/36047-en_US/

Purdue and the College of Engineering have a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance 
and relocation services.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

Requirements

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline by the employment start date and demonstrate potential to build an independent research program with externally funded research to complement initial AIDA3 support.