Department Chair - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Department Chair – Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

The Ohio State University Columbus, OH

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE). The department seeks a strategic leader who will advance the department’s mission by strengthening top-tier undergraduate and graduate programs, expanding research excellence and impact, serving as a trusted authority for industry, government, and society, and fostering a learning and working environment grounded in Ohio State’s Shared Values.

This position will start as early as July 2027.

The Chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is expected to provide bold and collaborative leadership. As the academic leader of the second largest chemical engineering program in the country, the Chair will envision innovative approaches to educating the next generation of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering leaders, enhance the department’s reputation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, and leverage the unique strengths of The Ohio State University’s land-grant mission and highly engaged alumni network.

The Chair will cultivate a longstanding culture of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff and lead a diverse faculty spanning tenure-track, professional practice, lecturer, and affiliated appointments. The anticipated departmental trajectory over the next five to ten years will require ethical leadership, integrity, transparency, financial stewardship, effective communication, facilitation of difficult conversations, and the ability to cultivate synergistic collaborations.

The Department Chair serves as the administrative head of the department and represents the faculty in dealings with the Dean and university administration. The Chair is appointed for a four-year term, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment.

• Oversee department programs and operations.
• Develop and maintain effective administrative practices in consultation with faculty and staff.
• Ensure efficient and timely operations.
• Maintain and strengthen the department's tradition of collegiality, mutual respect, and collaboration among faculty and staff.

• Schedule regular faculty meetings and maintain appropriate records.
• Consult with faculty on policy matters and uphold shared governance principles.
• Involve faculty in recruitment and review of new members.
• Involve faculty in the development of a strategic plan.

• Engage actively with undergraduate and graduate students through departmental activities and events, including those organized by the undergraduate AIChE Chapter and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Council.

• Develop procedures for faculty appointments, promotions, tenure, and salary adjustments.
• Conduct periodic faculty and staff evaluations.
• Recommend appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the Dean.

• Foster collaborative excellence in interdisciplinary research.
• Promote educational innovation and continuous improvement of instruction.
• Ensure equitable distribution of faculty responsibilities.

• Develop annual budget recommendations in consultation with faculty and staff, aligning resource allocation with departmental priorities and strategic goals.
• Steward departmental resources effectively, identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of instructional and administrative operations.

• Build and nurture enduring relationships with alumni, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Develop joint programs with corporate partners.
• Pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with College and University Advancement offices.

The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Required:

• Earned doctorate in…