Professor and Chair

Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Maryland. The selected candidate will lead a research-intensive academic department; oversee an evolving undergraduate and graduate curriculum; create and manage relationships with regional and worldwide partners across industry, national laboratories and academia; promote excellence in education, scholarship and entrepreneurship among students, faculty and staff; and foster relationships with alumni and other stakeholders.  Candidates must have earned a doctoral degree in materials science and engineering or a closely related discipline, and must be qualified for appointment as a tenured full professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. We are seeking a scholar with an international reputation; an experienced mentor and manager with proven interpersonal skills; and a visionary leader who can elevate the reputation of the department, and continue to identify, attract, recruit, and retain talented students, faculty and staff. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is committed to increasing the diversity of our community. Underrepresented minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply, and candidates who have experience and commitment to working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to describe their experience in these areas.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is part of the A. James Clark School of Engineering and is home to 22 faculty members, 49 undergraduates, and 77 graduate students. Faculty in the department conduct over $16M annually in externally-sponsored research, in multidisciplinary areas as diverse as energy, electronic materials and devices, nanomaterials and nanotechnology, radiological sciences, polymers, and biomaterials. The department benefits from and leverages close partnerships with related academic departments and institutes in engineering, physical sciences, and applied sciences, and has fruitful relationships with many neighboring industrial labs and federal research laboratories including NIST, ARL, NRL, FDA, NASA, and NIH.

Applications should outline their vision of leadership to capitalize on the opportunities outlined above (and additional ones that they identify), and grow the departments' legacy of excellence in academics, research, building community, and in creating unique and meaningful opportunities for students. Applicants should include a current curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining one’s qualifications, relevant experience, and vision for the department, and the names and contact information for at least five references who may be contacted by the search committee. Application packages must be submitted online using this link. The position will remain open until filled, but we encourage applicants to respond before September 1, 2024 for best consideration. The selected applicant will play a significant role in ensuring that this vision is fulfilled. Interested applicants are invited to learn more about the department online at mse.umd.edu. Questions about the position and search may be directed to the search chair, Prof. William Bentley (bentley@umd.edu).