Inside Higher Ed
Chemical and Biological Engineering - Department Head - 527594
Inside Higher Ed, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, 35485
Overview
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) and the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This role seeks a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated record of success as a scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor, to join our College of Engineering and ChBE during a period of record growth and success, with significant resources to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of chemical and biological engineering in the nation. Responsibilities
Provide academic and administrative leadership of the department. Serve on the College of Engineering senior leadership team and as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. Lead a department supported by two Associate Department Heads (Graduate and Undergraduate) and a professional staff team. Contribute to research, teaching, and service activities consistent with Department Head responsibilities. Advise graduate and undergraduate students supported by an extramurally funded research program. Maintain a high-quality, high-impact scholarly research program while teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses as schedule permits. Ensure department, college, and university service in line with university policies. Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 10+ years as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in a related engineering department. A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering from an accredited institution. 15+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in a related department. Demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Prior academic leadership experience (associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar). Application Instructions and Materials
Required documents include: (1) a cover letter stating the department name and position title, (2) a 2–5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience aligns with serving as Department Head, (3) a resume/CV, (4) a statement of research interests and plans, (5) a 1–2 page statement of teaching interests, and (6) contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and approval). Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 for fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the position is filled. A start date of August 16, 2026 is typical, with some flexibility. About The College Of Engineering
The UA College of Engineering has experienced significant growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise. It currently has more than 4,800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The department currently offers a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.). The department will begin offering a new M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in Fall 2026. The college has been expanding its faculty, facilities, and research centers and recently moved into the Shelby Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). The college strives to be a top-30+ program by 2030, with goals across degrees produced, scholarly productivity, research awards and expenditures, faculty size, and innovative translational activity. About The University Of Alabama
Located in Tuscaloosa, UA offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields. The campus includes more than 1,400 acres and over 300 facilities. For reasons of record, UA has been recognized with multiple national honors and rankings for its engineering and research excellence. Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, candidates must pass a pre-employment background investigation. The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More details: https://www.eeoc.gov/overview Advertised:
25 Sep 2025 Central Daylight Time Applications close:
31 Mar 2026 Central Daylight Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) and the College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This role seeks a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated record of success as a scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor, to join our College of Engineering and ChBE during a period of record growth and success, with significant resources to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of chemical and biological engineering in the nation. Responsibilities
Provide academic and administrative leadership of the department. Serve on the College of Engineering senior leadership team and as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. Lead a department supported by two Associate Department Heads (Graduate and Undergraduate) and a professional staff team. Contribute to research, teaching, and service activities consistent with Department Head responsibilities. Advise graduate and undergraduate students supported by an extramurally funded research program. Maintain a high-quality, high-impact scholarly research program while teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses as schedule permits. Ensure department, college, and university service in line with university policies. Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 10+ years as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in a related engineering department. A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering from an accredited institution. 15+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in a related department. Demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications recognized nationally and/or internationally. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Prior academic leadership experience (associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar). Application Instructions and Materials
Required documents include: (1) a cover letter stating the department name and position title, (2) a 2–5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience aligns with serving as Department Head, (3) a resume/CV, (4) a statement of research interests and plans, (5) a 1–2 page statement of teaching interests, and (6) contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and approval). Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 for fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the position is filled. A start date of August 16, 2026 is typical, with some flexibility. About The College Of Engineering
The UA College of Engineering has experienced significant growth in faculty, facilities, student populations, and research enterprise. It currently has more than 4,800 undergraduate students and almost 800 graduate students. The department currently offers a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.). The department will begin offering a new M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in Fall 2026. The college has been expanding its faculty, facilities, and research centers and recently moved into the Shelby Science and Engineering Complex (SEC). The college strives to be a top-30+ program by 2030, with goals across degrees produced, scholarly productivity, research awards and expenditures, faculty size, and innovative translational activity. About The University Of Alabama
Located in Tuscaloosa, UA offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields. The campus includes more than 1,400 acres and over 300 facilities. For reasons of record, UA has been recognized with multiple national honors and rankings for its engineering and research excellence. Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, candidates must pass a pre-employment background investigation. The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More details: https://www.eeoc.gov/overview Advertised:
25 Sep 2025 Central Daylight Time Applications close:
31 Mar 2026 Central Daylight Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr