Chair, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering

The DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (EECE) at WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS invites applications and nominations for the tenured position of Professor and Department Chair.  The Department has a unique research portfolio at the intersection of environmental engineering, novel energy solutions, and chemical engineering and processing that has enabled new interdisciplinary areas fundamental to identifying solutions to problems relevant to society. We are committed to providing high-quality education and advancing basic science and translational research with a focus on aerosol science and engineering, synthetic biology and bioproduct engineering, engineered aquatic systems, and multi-scale chemical engineering.  Our faculty lead major research centers including the Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering and Center for Solar Energy and Energy Storage and collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects at Washington University in St. Louis. EECE faculty have also developed a network of partners across the globe to work collaboratively on research and educational projects. By our international network of research universities and corporate partners, EECE is helping developing a cohort of future leaders, promoting global awareness and social responsibility. The department has 20 tenure-line faculty and 5 teaching-track faculty members; undergraduate enrollment is 143 students and the graduate enrollment is 127 doctoral candidates and 56 master’s degree students. Research is supported by over $14 million annual awards from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, EPA, AFOSR, and ONR, and faculty have been recognized by receipt of many prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award to most of the junior faculty.

Diversity and inclusion are core values at Washington University; candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive environments that embrace differences in gender, race, ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation and/or philosophy.  Strong candidates will have an earned doctorate and be internationally recognized for research excellence, leadership, and scholarship in an area of energy science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or other relevant fields.  Additionally, they should have a compelling vision for the future and integration of diverse disciplines, be able to lead and advance a research-oriented department, have a demonstrated dedication to education, and be a key mentor to faculty and staff. Ideal candidates will have developed a thriving independent research program, led multi-investigator projects, participated in the development of novel curricula, and have a record of academic and professional leadership.  Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required.

Serving as the executive officer of the department, the Department Chair reports directly to the Dean of the McKelvey School of Engineering.  The Chair is expected to serve for an initial term of 5 years with the opportunity for reappointment.  The Chair is expected to be a role model and provide leadership in all matters of department policy, structure, and function including strategic planning, appointments, promotions, instruction, mentorship, research, and administration and will conduct research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, teach relevant courses, advise students, and participate in University service. The Chair is expected to cultivate a supportive, collegial, and safe environment for faculty, staff, and students to achieve the highest possible level of excellence in research, teaching, and learning.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited.  Although the search will remain open until the position is filled, review of candidate materials will begin immediately. Candidates should provide, in confidence, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of application that highlights administrative acumen and leadership experience, and the names and contact information of five references.  References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of the candidates.

Materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the university’s consultant, Dr. Jonathan Fortescue of Park Square Executive Search, at  eece_chair@parksquare.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to Jonathan Fortescue, Ph.D., Managing Partner, or Zach Barker, Associate, Park Square Executive Search, LLC, 225 Franklin Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Phone: 617-674-9961.

Washington University in St. Louis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Washington University welcomes difference on our campus in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply.