Chair and Professor

Cleveland State University
Chair and Professor

Computer Science
 

Job Summary
Cleveland State University (CSU) seeks a dynamic and visionary Chair of the Department of Computer Science (CS) to work with, lead, and grow the department beginning July 1, 2025. CSU is committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body. The institution is striving to be a nationally recognized and student focused public research institution that provides accessible, affordable, and Engaged Learning opportunities for all.

Responsibilities include leading the undergraduate and graduate programs, improving program enrollments by engaging in and supporting outreach, recruitment, and retention; managing the departmental budget and faculty resources; providing the leadership in developing the department’s mission and strategic plan; supporting and advancing the department’s teaching, research and service activities, with emphasis on coordinating collaborative efforts by multiple faculty of the department for larger research grant proposals, and in the multidisciplinary research, teaching and service efforts across campus; representing the Department both internally (within the college and university) and externally; and enhancing the image of the department, college, and university. This position will also assume the role of the Executive Director for the Center for Computing Education and Instruction, which will support fundraising strategy & funder engagements, lead institutional partnerships within CSU and key national & state partnerships and provide fiscal & compliance-related oversight and sustainability.

The department was established in Summer 2023 and it offers a B.S. degree in Computer Science (accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET) and a new B.S. degree in Data Science, as well as Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering. The College offers a Ph.D. in Engineering degree with specializations in Computer Science and Applied Data Science (ADS). The ADS is a joint doctoral degree program between the Department of Computer Science and the Cleveland Clinic. The department has 19 full time CS faculty, including 11 tenured/tenure-track faculty, and approximately 300 undergraduate and more than 500 graduate (Master’s and Ph.D.) students.
 

Computer Science faculty are currently involved in implementing computing clusters, thanks to the recent NSF MRI grant that helps spur the research and education efforts. There also is a recently established collaboration in the area of Quantum Computing with Cleveland Clinic and IBM which has allowed our faculty to use the new quantum computer at the Cleveland Clinic. The department also has an important role to play in the $565 million JobsOhio, Cleveland Innovation District project, towards the goal of creating more than 20,000 Ohio jobs over the next decade. The department is leading a university-wide initiative to develop combined/integrated degree programs by combining different disciplines. Out of the 12 – so far – integrated degree programs which are in preparation, and most of them are pending final approval by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Computer Science is involved in eight of them. Additional such programs are in the planning process and will soon be submitted for approval. The department faculty are active in pursuing research grants and in supporting summer undergraduate research activities. Our research strengths center on data science, AI/ML, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and quantum computing.
 

Excellent opportunities for collaboration and outreach beyond the department exist within the college and university-wide. Regionally, there are diverse options for collaboration with a variety of companies and other organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic and the NASA Glenn Research Center, as well as with universities (e.g., Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University). Salary is commensurate with qualifications and competitive with other research-intensive universities. Competitive startup funds are available.

About Cleveland State University:

Established in 1964, Cleveland State University (CSU) stands as Cleveland’s regional, public, urban and research institution. With more than 14,000 students and 150+ academic programs, CSU offers a vibrant campus environment for academic, professional and personal development in the heart of a major city.

CSU’s strategic alliances with industry, government and community partners afford students invaluable hands-on learning experiences and actively contribute to the region’s economic advancement. CSU’ lively campus community centers on inclusivity, diversity and civic engagement—preparing students from all walks of life to lead in an ever-evolving world.

CSU was named on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers 2024, highlighting the University’s commitment to its renowned faculty and staff who are dedicated to enhancing the student experience and fostering academic excellence.

For more information about Cleveland State University, visit csuohio.edu.

About Cleveland:

Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, the Cleveland area is one of the Ohio’s largest metro. Cleveland residents enjoy a cost of living that is lower than the national average. Residents also enjoy beautiful parks, a scenic lakefront and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is also home to major league sports teams and a booming technology industry and economic activity. The region offers diverse recreational opportunities and cultural activities, and affordable housing in a variety of neighborhoods within a short drive or ride via bike, bus, or train. Cleveland is central Midwestern hub for art, culture, and sports that boasts a low cost of living and is well connected by road and air.

For additional information about CSU and city of Cleveland, see https://www.csuohio.edu/about-csu

https://engagecsu.com/visit

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/29/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-cleveland.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/travel/cleveland-cuyahoga-river-pollution.html

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/things-to-do

https://www.thisiscleveland.com/blog/august-2019/48-hours-in-cle-parks

https://www.bikecleveland.org/resources/getting-around-bike/

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science or closely related field. It is expected that the applicant will qualify for a position at the rank of Professor with tenure;
• Demonstrated evidence of strong record of leadership and administrative experience in professional/research/teaching/service environments;
• Strong teaching and student mentoring record;
• Strong record of curriculum development and enhancement;
• Strong record of research experience;
• Excellent communication skills; and
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• An outstanding record of securing external funding from various agencies and industry as Principal Investigator (PI);
• Administrative or leadership experience within a college or an organization at the level of at least chair or director;
• Prior experience with ABET accreditation;
• Undergraduate (or) Master’s degrees in Computer Science or related field; and
• Experience in promoting and leading the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Applicant Instructions
Applications will only be accepted online at https://hrjobs.csuohio.edu/postings/22297. Mailed or emailed application materials will not be accepted. Preference will be given to applications received by September 16, 2024. All inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Lili Dong at l.dong34@csuohio.edu.

List of documents applicant is required to submit:
 

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement
• Unofficial Transcript
• Diversity Statement*
• Name and contact information of five references – references will be contacted via email to upload a letter of support

*Cleveland State University is an urban campus serving a racially, culturally, and economically diverse student body. Diversity is extremely important to CSU. Explain your experience serving diverse students and how you will make a positive contribution to CSU’s inclusive community. For applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience, note how your work will contribute to CSU’s commitment to diversity and mission as an urban serving university.

Hire is contingent upon the maintenance of existing levels of funding from the State of Ohio. Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the University’s verification of credentials (including evidence of a Ph.D.) and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

It is the policy of Cleveland State University to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran, or genetic information.