Chair, Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering

Stony Brook University College of Engineering & Applied Sciences Chair, Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering

The College of Engineering & Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University seeks a highly accomplished scholar and strategic leader to be the Chair of the Department of Materials Science & Chemical Engineering (MSCE). Serving a renewable five‑year term, the Department Chair will be a tenured full professor in MSCE and, while remaining active in research, will provide sustained strategic leadership of the department.

The department currently houses 21 tenure‑line faculty, four research professors, and over 100 adjunct and affiliate faculty. Six technical and administrative staff support the department. Current graduate‑student enrollment is 121.

The new Chair will leverage Stony Brook’s new all‑funds, performance‑based budget model to expand current curricular offerings and develop new forward‑looking curricula and degree programs in collaboration with other units as appropriate. The Chair will also expand research in national importance, leveraging existing strengths in CEAS and other Stony Brook departments and centers focused on energy, climate sciences, quantum information systems, medicine and healthcare, sustainability, artificial intelligence, critical materials, data science, climate and clean energy, and biomedical science.

The candidate will also lead strong collaborative efforts in advanced computational materials sciences and microstructural characterization techniques.

The Chair will be a proven, entrepreneurial leader who can inspire faculty, staff, and students in a shared governance environment. They will have the ability to collaboratively develop a compelling vision to establish MSCE as a hub for research and education and as a site of innovation, teaching, and translation. They will have strong skills for mentoring junior faculty and will promote the interests of the entire department.

Fundraising experience is preferred but not required.

• An earned doctorate in a discipline appropriate for a faculty appointment in the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences
• A distinguished record of research, teaching, and academic mentoring commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor at Stony Brook University
• A proven track record of scholarship and the ability to support a vibrant research program along with an outstanding record of professional achievement
• Excellent leadership and management abilities suitable to guiding a world‑class research and education program

• Demonstrated academic leadership experience and a strong commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and synergistic leadership that fosters a respectful and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students at all levels
• A record of successful administrative experience including managing personnel, budgets, and academic operations at the department, center/institute, or school/college level
• A track record of fund‑raising

The Chair will serve a renewable five‑year term subject to an appropriately rigorous periodic review. The Chair will have an underlying faculty position as a tenured full professor and will receive an administrative salary supplement and other forms of support during their service as Chair. Elements of the appointment such as underlying faculty salary, teaching load, outside engagements, and summer compensation are commensurate with experience and are negotiable.

Stony Brook University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be sent to jeff The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality.
Required application materials include a CV and cover letter. Finalists in the search process will provide at least three contact references who can speak to their leadership and administrative abilities, their management record, and their integrity. Stony Brook University values an inclusive, welcoming environment…