Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science (MEES) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applications for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department.
The MEES department has seen rapid growth in recent years, and currently enrolls 1243 undergraduate, 109 graduate students, and employs 53 faculty and 13 staff. The department is internationally recognized for research programs in advanced manufacturing, precision metrology, battery research, energy engineering, control systems, computational mechanics, materials, heat transfer as well as emerging areas of research focus such as hypersonics, and autonomous vehicles. The Department is home to the Center for Precision Metrology and the new Battery Complexity, Autonomous Vehicle and Electrification Research Center (BATT CAVE). The Department also has strong participation in the College’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), the NSF supported Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO), and the School of Data Science. Our nationally recognized programs offer students the opportunity for hands-on learning with experienced faculty who value innovation. The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) includes options for a concentration in Biomedical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Motorsports, and Precision Engineering and Metrology, with a fifth concentration, Aerospace Engineering, in the final implementation stages. UNC Charlotte’s Master of Science and PhD Programs in mechanical engineering are both nationally ranked.
Like the MEES department, UNC Charlotte has also grown in size and mission to become the region’s preeminent research university, addressing critical 21st-century business, technology, health care, energy and education needs. It is ranked #81 public university by US News & World Report and is projected to become an R1 very high research university in 2025. The campus is located on a 1000-acre wooded campus in University City, and Charlotte is a vibrant city in the southeast of the United States that is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country.
Mission of the Department: The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science nurtures a professional, collaborative and supportive learning community in which all stakeholders (students, faculty, industry sponsors and partners) can succeed. The Chair plays an important role in this mission.
Description of Work: The Department Chair will provide strategic leadership and promote excellence in departmental programs. The Chair’s responsibilities are classified as professional duties requiring leadership and mentoring of faculty, long term and short-term planning, administrative expertise to include vision, decision-making, coordination of instruction and the daily operation of the department and its programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Chair will collaboratively lead and grow departmental academic, research, and outreach activities in the context of the vision and strategic plan laid out by the Department, the College, and the University. The leadership responsibilities of the Chair fall under four primary categories: Budget & Planning, Student & Alumni Affairs, Personnel, and Administration & Service. The Chair will support the Department’s mission in a variety of ways, including:
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Collaborate and engage with faculty, staff, advisory board members, and students in the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for continued excellence in academia and research.
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Advance department, college and institutionally aligned research and pedagogy initiatives through the recruitment of new faculty, and the development and support of current faculty.
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Increase the Department’s national recognition and identify new funding opportunities for student and faculty support through continued engagement with government agencies, alumni, industry, and other external stakeholders.
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Ensure the continued success and retention of our students through curriculum evaluation, and implementation of curriculum innovations.
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Oversee daily departmental operations including budget and resource management, personnel supervision, and continued institutional and academic programming compliance.
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Develop strategies to broaden participation and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs in alignment with the College and University initiatives.
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Advance departmental operations by supporting staff in their professional development activities
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Perform research and dissemination of scholarly work in relevant field(s) of expertise
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Teach courses in related areas at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
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Support the College and University missions by conducting services for the public and profession, and by participating in other Department and University activities.
Education/Experience: Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field. This tenured position is open to applicants with credentials and experience commensurate with a full professor. Candidates should have 1) a proven, exceptional academic record of scholarly accomplishment, teaching, and administrative leadership in mechanical engineering or a related field; 2) demonstrated an ability to work across disciplines to lead a growing, diverse department dedicated to teaching and research excellence; 3) demonstrated the ability to collaborate and build working partnerships nationally and internationally; and, 4) the ability to lead the Department as outlined in the essential job duties.
Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.charlotte.edu/ The application package should include (1) a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position based on past leadership roles, budgetary and administrative experience, 2) a detailed CV, (3) a two page statement outlining their approach to academic leadership, and their vision and goals for MEES education and research programs at UNC Charlotte, (4) names and contact information of at least three references. Priority to applications submitted by January 10th 2025.
Equal Opportunity Statement (effective 9/11/24)
"The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte maintains an Affirmative Action Plan prepared in accordance with Executive Order 11246 and the Consent Decree."
