Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The College of Engineering at Michigan Technological University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering to begin July 1, 2023. The department seeks an individual who has a demonstrated record of scholarly and administrative achievement. The Chair will lead the Chemical Engineering faculty in our mission of excellence in education, research, and service while promoting a culture of safety and a welcoming inclusive environment. We seek an individual with the vision and experience to elevate the department’s prominence in chemical engineering research, further our strong tradition of educational excellence, grow our M.S. and Ph.D. programs, and work with all stakeholders to integrate the department’s activities and goals with the strategic plans of the College and University.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class staff and faculty who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all are encouraged to apply (https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-inclusion/). The Department of Chemical Engineering encourages minority and female applicants and is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all people.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

The Chair is the chief administrative officer of the department and is responsible for the department’s administration, hiring, promotion, and budget. The chair serves as the primary liaison between the department, the rest of the University, and external constituents, and is expected to foster collaborations both internal and external to the university that advance the department’s mission. The Chair is expected to have a strong personal vision for excellence in engineering education, research, and service, and to communicate this vision effectively to all of the department’s constituents. The Chair is also charged with promoting the department through alumni and donor engagement.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field is required. 

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

Scholarly achievements and research, government, and/or industrial activities appropriate for a tenured appointment in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Industrial experience and established industrial relationships will be viewed favorably.
• Demonstrated leadership with national and/or international professional organizations.
• Leadership experience in an academic, government, or industrial setting.
• Supervisory, budgetary, and resource allocation accomplishments in an academic, government, or industrial setting.
• Experience in successfully working with diverse individuals.
• Experience in generating resources through fundraising.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and to effectively recognize and resolve conflicts and mediate disputes.
• Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and ability to manage budgets.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to promote a culture of safety.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain talented and diverse students, faculty, and staff.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required pieces of training; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

11 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

College Dean

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applications may be submitted online at http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/492969. Candidates will provide a resume, cover letter, and one-page statements on teaching, research, and the future of chemical engineering research and education, along with a statement describing their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also requested is a list of names and contact information for at least three professional references who will only be contacted if an on-campus interview is accepted (to be contacted only by permission of the applicant). Please direct inquiries to the Search Committee Chair (cmsearch@mtu.edu). The position will remain open until filled, with priority given to applications received prior to December 15, 2022.

Additional Information

The Department of Chemical Engineering, https://www.mtu.edu/chemical/, consists of 15 full-time faculty members, 5 full-time staff, and a number of research personnel (technicians, post-docs, etc.). The department’s main focus is to educate engineers who are well-grounded in the applied science of chemical engineering and who are able to contribute immediately to their future employers. Experiential learning is a key strength of the department at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and students are encouraged to become involved with the faculty’s research efforts. The department has strong research and educational programs in advanced materials; bioprocessing; catalysis; energy and sustainability; mineral and particulate processing; polymers; process safety, design, and optimization; sensors and microdevices; separations; and surface chemistry. A 6,500-square-foot Unit Operations Laboratory featuring 14 bench and pilot-plant-scale unit operations experiments is used to teach a wide range of principles with hands-on experiences. In April 2022, construction began adjacent to the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building on a new 63,000-square-foot Health-STEM building. The new facility will house health-related interdisciplinary research, collaborative spaces, and faculty and student offices.

Michigan Technological University, one of the four major research universities in the State of Michigan, is located in Houghton, MI in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior. The community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities.

Michigan Tech recognizes the importance of supporting faculty members’ partners; candidates selected for on-campus interviews will be invited to bring a guest. Additional details on our Partner Engagement Program can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/provost/programs/partner-engagement/.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM (see https://www.mtu.edu/advance/).

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.