Refer a Friend or Colleague

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE: https://che.eng.ua.edu) and the College of Engineering (CoE - https://eng.ua.edu) at The University of Alabama (UA: https://ua.edu) invite applications for the position of Department Head of the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The anticipated start date for the position is Fall 2026 or earlier as appropriate. This opportunity presents the chance for a dynamic and visionary leader who has a demonstrated record of success as an outstanding scholar, researcher, teacher, and mentor to join our UA College of Engineering and our ChBE Department during a period of record growth and success, with opportunities and significant resources at their disposal to help grow and shape the program into one of the leading departments of chemical and biological engineering in the nation.

Candidates with prestigious achievements, significant impact in their fields, and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as an Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor (https://provost.ua.edu/the-shelby-endowment-for-distinguished-faculty/). These Shelby Distinguished Professor positions are one of the highest honors bestowed upon faculty at The University of Alabama, and candidates who feel their record and accomplishments warrant consideration for this additional honor should indicate this in their cover letter.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.


• 10+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in a Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related department.


• A record consistent with appointment as a Full Professor in the UA Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.


• Significant record of scholarship in an engineering department with undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering from an accredited institution.


• Have 15+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a leading peer R1 institution in a Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related department at a leading peer R1 university.


• Have a demonstrated record of high-quality research and scholarly publications that is recognized nationally and/or internationally.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.


• Prior academic leadership experience as an associate department head/chair, department head/chair, center director, or similar level of responsibility.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Required application documents include a: (1) cover letter that includes both the department name and the title of the position for which the candidate is applying, (2) a 2 to 5 page statement describing how the candidate’s experience positions them well to serve as the Department Head for Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of Alabama, (3) a resume/curriculum vitae, (4) a statement of research interests and plans, (5) a one to two page statement of teaching interests, and (6) the names and contact information for at least four professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification and approval by the candidate).

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are preferred on or before October 20, 2025 to receive fullest consideration, but the search will continue until the positions are filled. A position start date of August 16, 2026 would be typical, but flexibility with respect to start date is possible.