Assistant Professor Polymer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering (CBCE) at The University of Akron seeks an accomplished academic and administrative leader as the Chair of the Department. The CBCE Chair will report to the Dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CPES) and will work closely with university leadership. The search is limited to internal candidates who possess a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a Bio-related Engineering field and hold the rank of Associate Professor (tenure-track), Associate Professor of Practice or Associate Professor of Instruction or higher at The University of Akron.

Required Qualifications:

• At least one degree in Chemical Engineering or a Bio-related Engineering field.
• Must have an earned PhD in engineering or a science field closely related to chemistry, biology, or materials science.
• A balanced perspective on research and teaching.
• Ability to effectively teach concepts, respond to questions and communicate with students, faculty, and staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• Academic credentials at the full professor level.
• Strong background in scholarship as evidenced in scholarly publications and external funding.
• Strong background in teaching as evidenced in teaching evaluations, commitment to mentoring, and dedication to excellence in teaching.
• Strong background in service, both internal and external.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to build consensus and the ability to make decisions.
• Demonstrated strong contributions to their current employing unit in at least two of these three categories:
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Service.

Responsibilities:

• The chair may be required to teach courses as needed.
• Be a champion for the department (including faculty, staff, and students) within the college, within the university and within the larger chemical engineering and related community, both domestic and international.
• Organize regular (at least annual) strategic planning sessions within the department with actionable items and timelines.
• Provide direct oversight to departmental curriculum issues, at the graduate and undergraduate level.
• Grow enrollment for all degree programs offered by the department, sensitive to available resources and in conjunction with college and university strategic plans.
• Explore new certificates, minors or degree programs related to the activities within your department and the needs of the region.
• Explore approaches to generate revenue for the benefit of the department, college, and university.

• Develop and communicate department goals with input and discussion with faculty.
• Support strategic goals and plans of the Department, University and College.
• Inform faculty of the perspectives and actions of the dean and other administrators.
• Develop and mentor faculty. As a minimum, provide performance feedback on an annual basis.
• Represent both the faculty and administration.
• Aid in communication with undergraduate and graduate students in department programs to facilitate open communication regarding the department and curriculum.
• Adhere to principles and policies of academic governance.
• Support and assist with recruitment and retention efforts of department and College. Support development and encourage faculty adoption of best practices in teaching.
• Work with other College chairs and the Dean in a collaborative and collegial manner.
• Work with Chairs, Deans and Directors to coordinate course offerings, curriculum development, and faculty hires.
• Actively supports the development of student, staff, and faculty communities that reflect a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Work to support, promote and retain outstanding faculty and staff.
• Implement and monitor fair and equitable workload policies across the department.
• Active in outreach to community through student organizations, participation in professional organizations, development of donors and industrial partners.
• Maintain his or her own professional development both within the appropriate discipline area as well as in higher education administration.
• Organize, direct, and maintain activities to ensure continued program accreditation. Use feedback from constituents to improve programs.
• Work with Advisory Boards to improve programs and raise funds for scholarships and specific programs.
• Encourage and work with faculty on development of research programs.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Set yearly goals for the department.
• Help align college and university policies with the departmental strategic goals.
• Prepare and propose budget requests, establish expenditure priorities, and fairly and equitably administer the department budget.
• Identify and recommend equipment and supplies for purchase, projecting space, and equipment needs for the department, and exercising general responsibility for departmental facilities and equipment.
• Establish teaching schedules in consultation with the faculty and dean to meet the needs of the curriculum.
• Manage and maintain all departmental records and prepare reports in accordance with College procedures.

If interested, please submit a cover letter, your CV, and a Visionary Plan Statement for growing the department.

Application Deadline: June 15th, 2026.

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

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The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that allwork performed as an employee ofthe University will be performed in Ohio.