Description:

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Houston (UH) invites applications for a Presidential Frontier Faculty (PFF) position at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor. The position is proposed as a joint appointment with 80% effort in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and 20% effort in Physics, with Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering serving as the tenure home. The appointment is expected to begin in Fall 2027.

The PFF program at UH is a university-wide, integrated, interdisciplinary faculty hiring initiative designed to address federal priorities and societal challenges in health, energy, sustainability, and security. We seek an outstanding individual with demonstrated expertise or strong research potential in Computational Engineering for Quantum Technologies, connecting quantum information science (QIS) with predictive modeling, quantum materials design, and quantum device-level engineering.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, computational and theoretical approaches to quantum materials, quantum devices, QIS-enabling processes and hardware platforms, and computational quantum technologies. Topics may include quantum transport; spin/valley physics; superconductivity; correlated, topological, low-dimensional, and van der Waals quantum materials; semiconductor and hybrid quantum platforms; cryogenic/thermal environments; quantum sensing, networking, and memory; scientific machine learning; inverse design; uncertainty quantification; multiscale modeling; and computational workflows for QIS-enabling materials and devices.

The successful candidate is expected to establish a nationally recognized, externally funded research program; build collaborations across MAE, Physics, Texas Center for Superconductivity (TcSUH), the UH Quantum Initiative, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute (HPE DSI), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computer Science (CS); mentor undergraduate and graduate students; and adopt effective, evidence-based pedagogical practices in the development and delivery of undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarship, a creative vision for future research, a commitment to engineering education, and excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, chemistry, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UH comprises approximately 38 full-time faculty, 90 doctoral students, 200 master’s students, and more than 1,500 undergraduates. MAE has established strengths in materials, mechanics, manufacturing, thermal sciences, controls, robotics/autonomy, aerospace systems, and energy systems, while quantum technologies represent an emerging strategic growth area for the department and the college. The proposed hire would connect these departmental strengths to UH’s broader quantum ecosystem, leveraging collaborations with Physics, the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH (TcSUH), the UH Quantum Initiative, the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Data Science Institute (HPE DSI), and the Advanced Manufacturing Institute (UH AMI).

UH is a Carnegie Tier One public research university in Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city and a global center for energy, aerospace, health, and technology. The university offers a highly collaborative environment across Engineering, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and university-wide institutes, with strong opportunities for interdisciplinary research, collaborations, and industry engagement.

Applicants should submit:
• A cover letter highlighting the candidate’s strengths and interest in the position.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A statement of research vision and plan.
• A statement of teaching philosophy and plan.
• A list of at least four references with names and contact information.

To apply, please visit http://www.uh.edu/human-resources/careers. Review of applications will begin in November 2026 and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Jae-Hyun Ryou at jryou@central.uh.edu.

Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.