Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in Polymer Science and Engineering

Role details

Description

The Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor in polymer science and engineering. The candidate’s areas of expertise should align with the CWRU Faculty 100 themes of Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Materials and/or AI, Data Analytics, and Methodology. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, innovations in polymer processing & rheology, advanced polymer-based materials, and/or the application of AI and data analytics to those fields.

Outstanding candidates will be considered for an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of this field, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to consider a secondary or joint appointment (up to 25%) in the departments of Materials Science and Engineering or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

This position is part of an ambitious faculty hiring plan this year within the Case School of Engineering and is in support of the President’s and Provost’s Faculty 100 Initiative to hire at least 100 new tenure and tenure-track faculty at Case Western Reserve University (https://case.edu/provost/initiatives/faculty-100) by 2028 in areas that address global challenges.

Applications must be submitted in Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/195938) by December 31st, 2026 to be considered. Include a cover letter describing interest in the position and fit with the department; a curriculum vitae; a research statement outlining past accomplishments and future plans (4 pages); a teaching statement describing instructional philosophy, experience, and interests (1 page); an [optional] statement on mentoring, service, collaboration, and/or contributions to an inclusive and supportive academic community (1 page); and names and contact information for 3 references.

The Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University is a distinguished center for innovations in polymer science and engineering. Established in 1963 as the nation's first stand-alone academic department dedicated to polymer science, it is home to 10 faculty members operating in a research intensive and highly collegial team. The department has a long history of advancing the design, synthesis, characterization, processing, and application of polymeric materials. Surrounding the area is one of the country’s largest tech hubs for advanced polymer materials as well as three world-recognized hospital systems.

The environment offers unique possibilities for industrial collaboration and science translation.

Salary & Benefits

In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is from $115,000 - $120,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off. For more details on CWRU’s benefits, see https://case.edu/hr/benefits.

Qualifications

● An earned PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or another closely-related field by the start date

● An excellent academic record

● A clearly articulated vision for an innovative and societally relevant research program aligned with the strategic priorities of the department, and the skills to implement that vision

● Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and commitment to effective mentoring and student success, and if being considered for a tenured position, a strong track record of excellence in both teaching and mentoring

● Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

● Postdoctoral, industrial, or other relevant research experience beyond the Ph.D.

● Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration

Application Instructions

Application Materials

• Cover letter describing interest in the position and fit with the department.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement outlining past accomplishments and future plans. (4 pages)
• Teaching statement describing instructional philosophy, experience, and interests. (1 page)
• [Optional] Statement on mentoring, service, collaboration, and/or contributions to an inclusive and supportive academic community. (1 page)
• Names and contact information for 3 references

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [email protected]. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person