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Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department Head

Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PAtodayverified 5 h ago

PhD-level Academic / Postdoc roles on Crosslinked list a median of $100k (225 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Review of applications begins Nov 1; apply by then for full consideration

Lead the Materials Science and Engineering department: set strategy, oversee research and education, and grow faculty.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Steer a small, highly ranked MSE department spanning soft materials, quantum materials, alloy design and AI-driven characterization.

Might not be for you. Senior administrative leadership role requiring tenured Professor rank; limited bench research time.

Computational or deskManages peopleLarge team Senior hires only PhD scientists on the teamWorks with universities Written with care

Core polymer roleProfessor and Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering; research foci Soft Materials, Characterization, Alloy Design, Quantum Materials

H-1B filings

Carnegie Mellon University filed 45 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Assistant Professor, Research Associate. Median filed pay: $96K a year.

Universities are exempt from the H-1B cap, so roles here skip the lottery.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Review begins
Nov 1
Seniority
Director+
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
PhD
Role
Academic / Postdoc
Benefits
dual career program

Role details

The Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering invites applications for the position of Professor and Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is one of ten academic departments in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and is a small but highly ranked department in undergraduate and graduate education (US News & World Report). Founded in 1906 as the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, MSE has a long and distinguished tradition in education and research, and today its 26 core faculty continue to address the most important and challenging issues at the forefront of science and technology.

As a highly interdisciplinary department, several of our faculty share joint appointments in different departments within the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering and Mellon College of Science. The department includes 122 undergraduate, 44 Masters, and 105 PhD students, and operations are managed by 18 full-time staff. Current research foci include Soft Materials, Characterization, Alloy Design & Manufacturing, AI & Computation, and Quantum Materials.

An accomplished and decisive academic leader is sought to provide strategic vision, leadership, and outstanding operational management; to oversee world-class research and educational programs; and to guide the Department of Materials Science and Engineering to the highest level of accomplishment and impact.

The Department Head will maintain and strengthen the culture of innovation in education and research; expand the reputation of the department; lead the department in strategic planning; build on the department’s recent success in faculty recruitment to strengthen emerging areas of materials research; demonstrate a commitment to high-quality administration; and empower students with flexible, interdisciplinary, practice-oriented and applied education in a collaborative environment. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration of applications will be given until May 1, 2027.

The expected start date is September 1, 2027, with flexibility available based on mutual agreement. E-mail inquiries concerning this position may be sent to the Search Committee at [email protected] . Carnegie Mellon University provides resources through its Dual Career Program https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/dual-careers/index.html , that assists with dual-career searches. Individuals with expertise across a wide range of areas related to Materials Science and Engineering will be considered, with particular interest in quantum materials, soft and biological materials, electronic and magnetic materials, and characterization and automated experimentation.

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in a field of engineering or science closely related to the disciplinary expertise of the department. An internationally recognized record of research, education, mentorship, and leadership is essential. Applicants must be qualified for an appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.

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Common questions

Does Carnegie Mellon University sponsor H-1B visas?

Carnegie Mellon University has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department Head role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department Head role at Carnegie Mellon University based?

This role is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

What degree is required for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department Head role at Carnegie Mellon University?

This role requires a PhD.