Assistant Professor - Chemical & Petroleum Engineering

The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering invites applications for multiple full-time tenure track positions at the Assistant Professor rank. Candidate applications will be accepted in any area of chemical engineering that strengthens the department's existing research strengths, programs, and centers. At least one of the positions will focus on integration with and support of KU's recently funded NSF ERC: Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (ERC-Earth.ku.edu). Candidates accepted for these positions will have a strong record of scholarly publications and the ability to obtain external research funding sufficient to support and maintain an independent research program. Successful candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to educate and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Successful candidates will be expected to conduct and publish original research, collaborate with others in the department, school and university, advise graduate and undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, and perform service at the university, national, and international levels. This position will collaborate with faculty in other areas of Engineering and other disciplines to advance research and education to create an impactful and sustained externally funded research program.

The KU Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering KU has a tradition of excellence in research and education related to energy and sustainability with 21 full-time faculty and over $5 million in sponsored research expenditures annually. The newly awarded NSF ERC: EARTH is a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary team that will create a "sustainable refrigerant lifecycle" to address technical, environmental, and societal challenges facing the HVACR industry. In addition to the EARTH ERC, the Department is also home to the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis and the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering.

The University of Kansas is the state's flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $275 million of externally funded research annually). KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU's strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

40% Teaching
Responsibilities include (a) teaching undergraduate/graduate core and elective courses in chemical engineering, (b) developing courses and participating in curriculum development, (c) mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, and (d) advising graduate students, including chairing doctoral dissertation committees.

40% Research
Responsibilities include (a) conducting and directing cutting-edge research, (b) training and graduating Master's and PhD students, serving as thesis/dissertation committee chair, (c) securing external funding to sustain an independent research program, (d) publishing in peer-reviewed journals, (e) presenting at professional conferences, (f) serving as a member of graduate thesis and dissertation committees, and (f) as appropriate, developing intellectual property. The position will enable participation in the education and training of students and postdoctoral researchers in the Department.

20% Service
Responsibilities include performing service for the Department, School, University, academic and research profession, and interacting effectively with students, faculty, and local, national and international communities.

A complete online application will include the following:

1. A letter of application
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Detailed statement of philosophy related to teaching and mentoring (no more than 3 pages)
4. Detailed statement of research accomplishments and plans for building an independent research program including opportunities for external funding and alignment with the Department's research strengths and programs (no more than 3 pages)
5. The names and contact information of at least three references.

Initial application review will begin October 25, 2024. and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received.

Steve Gehrke, Professor
shgehrke@ku.edu

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Friday October 25, 2024

Monday August 18, 2025