The University of Alabama
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, 35485
Overview
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the College of Engineering (CoE) at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This role offers an opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated record of success as a scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor to join UA during a period of record growth and success, with opportunities and resources to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of electrical and computer engineering in the nation. Candidates with prestigious achievements and significant impact in their fields will be eligible for consideration for Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor appointments, which are among the highest honors at The University of Alabama. If eligible, please indicate this in your cover letter. Context and department environment
The UA College of Engineering has experienced substantial growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise. The College currently has more than 4,800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The ECE Department offers two undergraduate degrees (B.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Computer Engineering) and two graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering). The department is expanding its faculty size and recently moved into a new departmental home in the UA South Engineering Research Center (SERC), providing new spaces including a central departmental administrative suite to support growth and foster community among faculty, staff, and students. The department aims to be a preeminent electrical and computer engineering department in the country, leveraging substantial resources from the College and university. Strategic vision
Under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, the College has embarked on the ambitious "Top-30+ by ‘30" initiative. The goals include becoming a top-30 program by 2030 across education, research, and service, measured by: (1) degrees produced at undergraduate and graduate levels across seven departments and thirty programs, (2) scholarly productivity, (3) research awards and expenditures supporting graduate education, (4) faculty size and breadth of expertise, and (5) translational productivity such as patents and startups. The new Department Head will play a central role in this effort, guiding the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to grow with strong support from the College and University. Role and responsibilities
The Department Head is the academic and administrative leader of the department. The Head is expected to serve for a minimum of 5 years, with potential renewal. The Head is part of the College of Engineering senior leadership, and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Head is supported by two Associate Department Heads for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, and a professional staff team including an Administrative Assistant. This role offers the opportunity to influence a dynamic, fast-growing education and research enterprise. Successful candidates will contribute to the life of the department, college, and university through research, teaching, and service aligned with Department Head responsibilities. Candidates with an accomplished track record in research and graduate education are encouraged to apply, with a desire to mentor graduate and undergraduate research students supported by extramurally funded research programs. As a tenured faculty member, the Head is expected to maintain a high-quality, high-impact research program, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses as duties permit, advise Ph.D. students, and provide service to the department, college, university, and broader scholarly community in accordance with university policies. Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 10+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in an electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related department. A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Preferred Qualifications
15+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related department. A demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar role. Application instructions and required materials
Required documents include: (1) a cover letter stating the department name and the title of the position, (2) a 2–5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience aligns with the Department Head role, (3) a resume/curriculum vitae, (4) a statement of research interests and plans, (5) a one- to two-page statement of teaching interests, and (6) the names and contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and candidate approval). Review of applications will begin immediately. A typical start date is August 16, 2026, with flexibility as needed.
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The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the College of Engineering (CoE) at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This role offers an opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated record of success as a scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor to join UA during a period of record growth and success, with opportunities and resources to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of electrical and computer engineering in the nation. Candidates with prestigious achievements and significant impact in their fields will be eligible for consideration for Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor appointments, which are among the highest honors at The University of Alabama. If eligible, please indicate this in your cover letter. Context and department environment
The UA College of Engineering has experienced substantial growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise. The College currently has more than 4,800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The ECE Department offers two undergraduate degrees (B.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Computer Engineering) and two graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering). The department is expanding its faculty size and recently moved into a new departmental home in the UA South Engineering Research Center (SERC), providing new spaces including a central departmental administrative suite to support growth and foster community among faculty, staff, and students. The department aims to be a preeminent electrical and computer engineering department in the country, leveraging substantial resources from the College and university. Strategic vision
Under the leadership of its Dean, Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, the College has embarked on the ambitious "Top-30+ by ‘30" initiative. The goals include becoming a top-30 program by 2030 across education, research, and service, measured by: (1) degrees produced at undergraduate and graduate levels across seven departments and thirty programs, (2) scholarly productivity, (3) research awards and expenditures supporting graduate education, (4) faculty size and breadth of expertise, and (5) translational productivity such as patents and startups. The new Department Head will play a central role in this effort, guiding the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to grow with strong support from the College and University. Role and responsibilities
The Department Head is the academic and administrative leader of the department. The Head is expected to serve for a minimum of 5 years, with potential renewal. The Head is part of the College of Engineering senior leadership, and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Head is supported by two Associate Department Heads for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, and a professional staff team including an Administrative Assistant. This role offers the opportunity to influence a dynamic, fast-growing education and research enterprise. Successful candidates will contribute to the life of the department, college, and university through research, teaching, and service aligned with Department Head responsibilities. Candidates with an accomplished track record in research and graduate education are encouraged to apply, with a desire to mentor graduate and undergraduate research students supported by extramurally funded research programs. As a tenured faculty member, the Head is expected to maintain a high-quality, high-impact research program, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses as duties permit, advise Ph.D. students, and provide service to the department, college, university, and broader scholarly community in accordance with university policies. Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 10+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in an electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related department. A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Preferred Qualifications
15+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related department. A demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar role. Application instructions and required materials
Required documents include: (1) a cover letter stating the department name and the title of the position, (2) a 2–5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience aligns with the Department Head role, (3) a resume/curriculum vitae, (4) a statement of research interests and plans, (5) a one- to two-page statement of teaching interests, and (6) the names and contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and candidate approval). Review of applications will begin immediately. A typical start date is August 16, 2026, with flexibility as needed.
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