Assistant/Associate Professor, Aeronautical Science Department (Daytona Beach Campus)

Job Description

The Aeronautical Science Department in the College of Aviation (COA) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Daytona Beach invites applications for a non-tenure track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor to teach in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science undergraduate program, which is housed in the Aeronautical Science Department. Exceptionally qualified candidates may be considered for a tenure track appointment.

The Aeronautical Science Department hosts the largest degree program for professional pilots in the world and is one of the largest departments on the Daytona Beach Campus that houses three undergraduate degrees focusing on professional aviation. Our program prepares graduates to enter the industry as UAS operators and managers. At the Daytona Beach Campus, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Science degree provides the necessary education and training for aspiring professionals in the diverse field of unmanned aviation operations. The degree provides a solid foundation for several UAS applications areas, including hazardous operations, surveillance and data collection, secure operations, long duration operations, highly-repetitive operations, and autonomous operations as well as flight training in various platforms, including the UAV Factory Penguin C system. Students are required to take service learning courses so they can apply their knowledge and skills in practical applications prior to graduation. Many of these support faculty research or are done on study abroad courses. Graduates will be well grounded in all aspects of UAS operations, ranging from simple inspection missions to planning and executing complex long-term missions in ways that ensure safe and professional operations at all levels. In addition, we have a minors in UAS applications and a minor is UAS in Public Safety which are available to students to complement other degrees.

Teaching excellence is our top priority along with applied research in aviation related areas. Key to our mission is providing effective mentoring and advising to our students as they prepare to enter the industry. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

This position requires a broad base of knowledge and experience of various UAS platforms. Teaching areas will include FAR Part 107 certification, introduction to UAS, capture and processing of imagery, safety of UAS flight operations, development of UAS operations, crew resource management as it applies to UAS operations, and the use of sUAS equipment in flight operations in support of classroom activities.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, duties will include curriculum development and committee participation on Department and University levels. The candidate will also have a strong interest in pursuing or supporting scholarship and professional activities appropriate to advancing aviation education and aviation interests in the industry.

This is a nine-month term, for a non-tenure track position. Strong candidates with the earned doctorate and an established record of published research may be considered for a tenure-track. The position will begin August 10, 2021.

Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications: Applicant must have a master’s degree in UAS or related field, FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA Ground Instructor Certificate- Basic, and record of experience with common sUAS or larger UAS platforms.

Preferred qualifications: Earned doctorate in a UAS or related field, experience with a Piccolo Command Center-based system, UAS industry certifications, and FAA pilot certificate for airplanes or rotorcraft.