Refer a Friend or Colleague

The Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University invites applications for the position of Professor, Director, and Endowed Chair of the School. The Director of the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is under the administrative supervision of the Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering and is responsible for the overall administration of the school.  The Director is also the holder of the Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr. Chair.

Qualified candidates must hold an earned BS degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering and PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or closely related field, possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and must qualify for the rank of professor with tenure. Qualified candidates must have earned national recognition by a distinguished record of accomplishments in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering education and research and show a record of scholarly publications in archival literature and funded research. Significant research and teaching experience are expected as a demonstration of commitment to students, faculty, and research elements critical to the success of the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering. In addition, relevant administrative and industrial experience at a peer or peer plus institution is desirable.

The Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is one of the eight academic departments in the Bagley College of Engineering, housing both the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering degree programs. The school offers ABET-accredited bachelor's programs in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (both on-campus and via distance learning), as well as a doctoral degree in Engineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (both on-campus and via distance learning).  The two programs combined have a three-year average enrollment of 288 undergraduate students, and 23 graduate students. The school is currently supported by 12 faculty and 3 staff members. Faculty members have developed a strong research program in the areas of molecular modeling, optoelectronics, soft materials, polymers, catalysis, fuel cells, crystallization, and carbon capture and subsurface sequestration. Faculty in the school are active in many university research centers, including the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), the Advanced Composite Institute (ACI), and the High-Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC2), among others. 

The position is available beginning July 1, 2026, but the starting date is negotiable. The screening of candidates will begin on December 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu, and must include a Cover Letter, a Leadership Experience/Philosophy & Vision Statement, an extended Curriculum Vitae including statements on research accomplishments and teaching philosophy, and contact information for at least three professional references. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Dr. Adrian Sescu, Search Committee Chair (sescu@ae.msstate.edu).