Assistant Professor Aviation

About This Job

**Job Title: Assistant Professor of Aviation**

Abu Dhabi University invites applications for a full time faculty position in the Department of Aviation to start in the Academic year 2026/27.

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a private, multi campus university dedicated to meeting the needs for educational opportunities in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries. The University is committed to offering challenging educational programs to all admitted students and program participants seeking a superior education regardless of their race, religion, color, gender, disability or national origin. ADU promotes collegial, efficient and effective management practices and is internationally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the USA. In addition, ADU is an IATA Authorized Training Center. The university seeks and capitalizes upon opportunities to cooperate with peer institutions worldwide; and applies state-of-the-art learning technologies in modern facilities.

The Department of Aviation within the College of Engineering has currently about 200 students and is expanding its academic spectrum including a master program in Aviation. Presently the vast majority of students is in the BSc Aviation program. ADU is also in the process of adding Master's programs in aviation to its portfolio. The aviation faculty are expected and encouraged to conduct research. Certain grants are available for research, attending conferences and personal development or training. Appointment will be as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer or Assistant Professor, depending on teaching and research experience.) 

• Job Purpose

(Briefly describe the overall purpose of the role and how it supports departmental or institutional goals.)
To support the Department of Aviation's teaching program across core aviation science subjects, contribute to curriculum development, and build a research presence in a relevant fields of aviation. The role supports ADU's commitment to provide academically and technically competent graduates who are prepared for the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

• Key Responsibilities

(List the core responsibilities of the role using clear, outcome-based action verbs (5-7 points.))

• Teach assigned aviation courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level across operational, safety, and management disciplines, ensuring that content is current, industry-relevant, and aligned with Course Learning Outcomes and the applicable regulatory framework (ICAO, GCAA, IATA, ACI).
• Establishing and maintaining a focused research agenda across all areas of aviation, particularly flight operations, air traffic control, airspace and capacity management, modern air mobility, sustainable air transport, and airport operations.
• Contribute actively to curriculum development, including the design and review of course content for both the undergraduate Aviation Science program and any postgraduate aviation programs under development, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards and accreditation requirements.
• Build and maintain working relationships with aviation industry stakeholders, including airport operators, air navigation service providers, and civil aviation authorities, to support student internships, applied research collaboration, and guest-led learning experiences.
• Supervise student Capstone Projects and internship placements, providing academic mentorship that connects students' theoretical knowledge to real-world professional contexts.
• Participate in departmental quality assurance processes, including course file preparation, learning outcomes assessment, peer review, and continuous improvement reporting.

• CORE COMPETENCIES
(This section outlines the essential skills, behaviors, and attributes required for successful performance in the role. Each competency is listed with the expected proficiency level to guide recruitment, evaluation, and development efforts.)

o Technical Knowledge & Systems Use

Intermediate: Applies systems and technical tools independently to complete routine tasks.

o Communication & Collaboration

Intermediate: Collaborates across departments; handles conflict constructively.

o Initiative & Problem Solving

Intermediate: Solves routine problems and suggests improvements.

o Accountability & Institutional Alignment

Basic: Completes assigned tasks on time and follows policies.

• Skills

(This section lists the specific technical or functional skills required for the role, along with the expected proficiency level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced). It ensures a clear understanding of the capabilities needed to perform the job effectively.)

Technical Skills

o ERP: Basic: Can navigate the system to retrieve or input information with guidance.

o Microsoft Office: Intermediate: Efficiently manages documents, spreadsheets, and presentations; utilizes templates and collaborative tools.

o Data Analysis / Reporting: Intermediate: Analyzes trends and prepares interpretative summaries.

Behavioral Skills

o Time Management: Advanced: Prioritizes, delegates, and ensures deadlines across projects.
o Team Collaboration: Advanced: Facilitates team success and manages group dynamics.
o Adaptability: Intermediate: Responds positively to change and shifting priorities.

• Qualifications & Experience

(This section outlines the minimum academic qualifications, certifications, and relevant professional experience required for the role. It ensures candidates meet the essential criteria needed to perform the job successfully.)

o Minimum Education: Postgraduate qualification (Doctoral degree) from an accredited institution, as per CAA qualification requirements. A background that combines technical aviation knowledge with management or business competency is advantageous.
o Preferred Education: Postgraduate qualification (Doctoral degree) from an accredited institution, as per CAA qualification requirements. A background that combines technical aviation knowledge with management or business competency is advantageous.
o Nature of Experience: A minimum of 5 years of combined professional experience in aviation operations and aviation education or training delivery. Expertise in airport and airline operations, with demonstrated experience in airside and landside management, terminal operations, ground handling, flight dispatch, airline management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring students gain a practical understanding of real-world aviation challenges. Proven experience in academic program development, contributing to curriculum design, course enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives that align with industry standards. Strong record of publication and scholarship. Extensive knowledge of university academic systems and operations, with a track record of streamlining processes, enhancing program delivery, and improving student engagement. Proven experience in mentoring and supervising students, delivering effective communication across multilingual and culturally diverse academic environments, and collaborating successfully with interdisciplinary teams and international colleagues.

o Years of Experience: Minimum 5 years of combined professional and academic experience in aviation.

o Certifications/Licenses: The following types of certification are considered indicative of the depth of professional engagement expected for this role. Candidates are not expected to hold all of the below, but the breadth and combination of certifications held will be a significant factor in the evaluation of applications.
• Holding IATA, ICAO, and ACI certifications in aviation operations, safety, and compliance.
• PPL/CPL/ATPL/ATCO etc.

o Language Proficiency: English - Advanced/Fluent (essential for instruction and academic writing). Arabic - Advanced/Fluent (highly desirable; the student body and regional industry environment make Arabic proficiency a meaningful operational and relational asset)
o System Proficiency : Learning Management Systems (institutional platforms); digital collaboration tools; aviation simulation environments (terminal and flight simulation); university enterprise/ERP systems.

• WORK CONDITIONS

(This section describes the physical, environmental, and organizational conditions under which the job is performed. It may include working hours, location, travel requirements, and any special conditions such as remote work, fieldwork, or exposure to specific environments.)

o Working Hours: Standard
o Working Location: Face-to-Face (Primary Campus)
o Travel Requirements: None

Job Description

To contribute to the Department of Aviation's academic mission through excellence in teaching, research, and service. The role supports the delivery and continuous enhancement of aviation programs, advances scholarly research, fosters industry engagement, and prepares graduates with the knowledge and competencies required to meet the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.