The Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences (APSS) at the Florida Institute of Technology invites applications for a department head with an expected start date of August 2027.
We seek a visionary leader with suitable academic and administrative experience to guide a dynamic and multidisciplinary department of approximately 30 faculty members spanning aerospace engineering, astronomy and astrophysics, physics, space physics, astrobiology, and planetary sciences. The ideal candidate will possess the collaborative acumen and leadership background to support interdisciplinary innovation, and champion excellence across both our educational and research missions. We are looking for a leader who can build strong connections across traditional disciplinary boundaries, inspire and mentor early career faculty across all fields, and scale our sponsored research enterprise while maintaining our deep commitment to student success. Key responsibilities and qualifications include demonstrated excellence in holistic leadership, a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, a distinguished record of scholarly accomplishment, and a dedication to upholding and elevating high standards in graduate and undergraduate education, mentorship, and curriculum development.
Candidates are required to hold a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Science, or a closely related field, alongside a distinguished record of academic accomplishment appropriate for appointment as a tenured full professor.
To apply, please submit a single PDF document containing a cover letter, CV, a statement of research experience and interests, a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and a statement of vision describing plans for the growth of the APSS department, and contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin November 01, 2026. The position is open until filled with anticipated start date of August 2027.
Information about the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences and the College of Engineering and Science can be found at https://www.fit.edu/engineering-and-science/
Aerospace research laboratories are focused on autonomy, orbital robotics, fuel tank slosh, and a growing interest in CubeSats. Our high-energy physics group is a member of the CMS collaboration at CERN, and our atmospheric electricity group are world leaders, with a record that includes the discovery of X-ray and gamma-rays from lightning. Florida Tech is the founding member of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy, established the first undergraduate astrobiology program in the US, and our faculty have a strong history of successful research using a variety of ground-based and space-based facilities. The APSS department currently serves nearly 700 undergraduate and over 200 graduate students. We are at the heart of a vibrant research and innovation community on the U.S. Space Coast and nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Melbourne is served by the Melbourne-Orlando International Airport, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
