Assistant or Associate Professor in Experimental Space Physics and Radar Remote Sensing

Job Description

The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Experimental Space Physics and Radar Remote Sensing with an anticipated start date of August 2027. The position is expected to be filled at the rank of assistant or associate professor. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in electrical engineering space physics or a closely related field. Candidates should show strong potential for excellence in undergraduate instruction specialized graduate education externally sponsored research and scholarly activity. The ECE Department includes nearly 100 faculty members more than 500 full-time graduate students and more than 1000 undergraduate students.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in areas aligned with experimental space physics and radar remote sensing as well as other related ECE topics such as satellite communications electromagnetics antennas and RF propagation. Candidates may also participate in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program in Remote Sensing () which spans multiple departments and colleges across the university. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to departmental college and university service and to mentor students in a manner consistent with Virginia Techs Principles of Community.

The successful applicant will contribute to the Universitys Center for Space Science and Engineering Research ( ) which brings together faculty students and partners across space science remote sensing satellite systems and space engineering. Its research facilities support a broad portfolio of experimental and computational research with the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) Space Weather Radar Facility serving as an important component of a broader set of research capabilities. SuperDARN provides key observations of Earths near-space environment and Virginia Tech is a PI institution in the international SuperDARN collaboration which operates a worldwide network of HF space weather addition to further research resources and opportunities for collaboration are available through the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science () the National Security Institute () and Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing ().

Virginia Tech is a comprehensive land-grant university guided by its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) with a strong emphasis on hands-on transdisciplinary learning discovery and problem-solving. The university enrolls more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students across more than 280 majors and multiple colleges and professional schools. Based in Blacksburg with additional locations across Virginia Virginia Tech is also a leading global research institution with more than $500 million in annual research activity.

Virginia Tech is an equal opportunity employer. The university is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from candidates who will contribute to inclusive excellence in research teaching and service.

Applicants are required to apply online at and should use posting number 538285. Application materials should include a cover letter a current CV contact information for three professional references and statements describing research teaching and professional goals. Questions about the search process may be directed to Dr. Joseph Baker Faculty Search Committee Chair Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Review of applications will begin November 30 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering Space Physics Applied Physics or a closely related field by the appointment start date.

Demonstrated research experience in experimental space physics radar remote sensing ionospheric physics space weather or a closely related field.

Evidence of scholarly productivity or potential through peer-reviewed publications conference presentations or other recognized research contributions.

Demonstrated ability or potential to develop an externally funded research program as evidenced by research proposals sponsored research participation or a clearly articulated research agenda.

Demonstrated ability or potential to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in electrical and computer engineering or related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience involving high-frequency (HF) radar systems ionospheric remote sensing or space weather observations.

Experience with the design development operation or analysis of radar and remote sensing systems including SuperDARN or comparable observational networks.

Record of peer-reviewed scholarly publications in experimental space physics radar remote sensing or related disciplines.

Experience securing or contributing to externally sponsored research funding from federal agencies industry partners or other research sponsors.

Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in electromagnetics antennas RF propagation satellite communications or related ECE subjects.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$110000$150000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 30 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.