Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

About the Taylor Geospatial Institute Cluster Hiring Initiative

In April 2022, Saint Louis University (SLU) launched the- the nation's leading geospatial research collaborative, comprising eight of the Midwest's outstanding research institutions. The TGI is led by Saint Louis University and includes the Danforth Plant Science Center, Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Washington University in St. Louis. TGI's vision is to be the nation's leader in geospatial science research and accelerate the St. Louis region's development as a global geospatial center of excellence. We are harnessing the power of partnership with industry, government agencies, and research entities to grow talent and develop core geospatial science and adjacent fields that enable positive impacts on some of the world's greatest challenges including food systems, geospatial health, and national security. With the goal of becoming a world-class leader and creating a lasting geospatial impact, SLU intends to hire strategically across the University in areas that directly intersect with the TGI. Enabled by the legacy gift supporting TGI, SLU has the opportunity to hire approximately 20 faculty across 3 years, marking our footprint as a world-class research University in geospatial science and adjacent fields while simultaneously multiplying our excellence in our teaching and our mission. This call for faculty positions is part of this exciting cluster hire initiative in geospatial science and adjacent fields.

About the Department/School

The Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science offersa Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics with concentrations in professional pilot and aviation management. It also has a graduate program with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Aviation and will offer a Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) beginning in the fall 2024 semester. In conjunction with the professional pilot degree, the Center for Aviation Science, which is wholly owned by Saint Louis University, is a flight-training center operated by the department. Current research initiatives are focused on human factors associated with flight operations and training, diversity in aviation, and aviation outreach.

The department possesses a Cessna 182P aircraft and is establishing a manned airborne research laboratory for sensors and flight crew operations which aligns with the data collection goals and objectives of the department and TGI's mission. The goal of hiring a faculty member capable of teaching undergraduate courses in the department and flying the Cessna 182P for data collection purposes was addressed in the initial phase of the TGI Hiring Initiative.

TGI is establishing the Geospatial Data Analytics Library (GDAL) which will provide data collection from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned aircraft platforms and will curate satellite data for faculty research purposes. TGI has established UAV-based sensing platforms and is staffed with personnel under TGI supervision. The department's manned aircraft will be outfitted with TGI-supplied sensors to serve as a joint collaborative effort between TGI and the department. The joint effort would become part of the GDAL, utilizing computing facilities established at the GDAL.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to both the TGI and departmental requirements.

Job Description and Primary Responsibilities

• Establish a vibrant and productive research program in aviation and geospatial science and actively engage in scholarly activities including publishing in peer-reviewed journals, dissemination at conferences and seeking external funding.

• Develop, deliver, and assess undergraduate and graduate-level courses that maintain and enhance the current aviation programs.

• Contribute to the current Aviation Science research agenda of transitioning research from pilot-in-the-loop, ground-based laboratory experiments to airborne research utilizing the Cessna 182P aircraft.

• Contribute to the growth of TGI through building GIS expertise and active participation in TGI priorities.

• Create inclusive, engaging teaching and research experiences to develop socially conscious students and scientists.

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

• Participate in departmental, school, university, and professional service activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in aviation or a closely related field.

• Qualifications in sensor-equipped aircraft, drones, satellite systems, and/or autonomous vehicles which will connect with the departmental and TGI research initiatives and mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent research productivity and demonstrated potential to be a successful researcher.

• Relevant teaching experience that promotes hands-on, experiential learning.

• Established record of interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research work.

• Demonstrated ability and vision to collaborate and build a multidisciplinary initiative in pursuit of enhancing undergraduate and graduate education.

Applications must include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume/curriculum vitae, 3) research statement, 4) teaching statement, 5) diversity statement, and 6) contact information for three references. You can upload these items on the third page "My experience" of the application.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.