Department Chair, Materials Science and Engineering

Role details

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair. The department’s degree programs have a long history of being highly ranked in the country (#5 for undergraduate and #8 for graduate study in 2021). MSE has 25 tenured and tenure-track core faculty members, 20 courtesy appointment faculty, 3 lecturers, 4 research scientists, and approximately 125 undergraduate and 135 graduate students, with active research in the areas of functional, soft and structural materials and computational materials science .

Further information can be found at the department website: https://mse.engin.umich.edu/ . The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar with an earned doctorate in a research field related to materials science and engineering and will have an exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching and service at a level commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. The candidate must possess visionary leadership abilities, a broad appreciation for the diverse perspectives within the department and a strong interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty.

The candidate will lead and support the faculty to ensure that learning of the highest quality flourishes at all levels, from undergraduate education to graduate and post-doctoral research. The candidate will work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and administrators to achieve common goals and to maintain rapport with alumni and industry representatives. Applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, two-page vision statement for the department, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and list of names and contact information for at least five references.

The deadline for ensuring full consideration of an application is Tuesday, November 30, 2021, but the position will remain open and applications may still be considered until the appointment is made. The search will be conducted in confidence until finalists are invited for campus visits at which time professional references will be contacted. If you have any questions regarding the search, or would like to nominate someone, please contact Professor Alan Taub, search committee chair, at [email protected] . Michigan Engineering’s vision is to be the world’s preeminent college of engineering serving the common good.

This global outlook, leadership focus, and service commitment permeate our culture. Our vision is supported by a mission and values that, together, provide the framework for all that we do. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ . The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The Michigan Engineering component of the University’s comprehensive, five-year, DEI strategic plan—with updates on our programs and resources dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, fair, and inclusive environment—can be found at: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/ .

The College of Engineering is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. We seek faculty members who commit to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education, will develop impactful, productive and novel research programs, and will contribute to the department’s goal of eliminating systemic racism and sexism by embracing our culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is responsive to the needs of dual career families.

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working or learning remotely. More information on this policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the U-M Dearborn and U-M Flint websites. Please see the position description.