Assistant Professor

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

49d • $115,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of August 10, 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate whose research advances artificial intelligence in chemical engineering, broadly defined. The successful candidate will establish an innovative, externally funded research program; contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education; and collaborate across engineering, computing, and sciences. The search is intentionally broad within AI for chemical engineering research. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: High-throughput experimentation, including automated data acquisition, analysis, and decision-making; AI and machine learning for energy, sustainability, climate, and chemical manufacturing; AI-guided discovery, design, synthesis and characterization of chemicals and hard- or soft-materials; AI-enabled research at the interfaces of chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, and human health; Laboratory robotics, closed-loop experimentation, and autonomous or self-driving laboratories. Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary department whose research addresses major societal challenges spanning artificial intelligence, energy and sustainability, advanced materials, catalysis, separations, manufacturing, biotechnology, medicine, and human health. We welcome applicants whose research complements and expands existing departmental strengths and creates new connections across the College of Engineering and the broader university. We are particularly excited by candidates who are redefining how chemical engineering research is conducted by bringing together emerging capabilities in artificial intelligence and automation with fundamental scientific inquiry and experimentation. As a comprehensive land-grant university, Virginia Tech is guided by its motto, Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”). We seek faculty who are excited to pursue research, education, and engagement that advance chemical engineering while making a meaningful impact on society. This spirit of service, combined with a deeply collaborative academic culture, defines our community and our approach to discovery. Faculty benefit from strong institutional investments in artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research. Relevant university communities and resources include Virginia Tech’s Artificial Intelligence Frontier, the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science. Together with advanced computing, shared instrumentation, materials characterization, fabrication, and biological research facilities, these organizations provide a rich environment for AI-enabled discovery, high-throughput experimentation, laboratory automation, and translation from fundamental science to engineering practice. Virginia Tech is committed to translating fundamental discoveries into real-world impact. Faculty have access to a robust innovation ecosystem that supports the advancement of new technologies from the laboratory to society through LINK, LICENSE, LAUNCH, Virginia Tech’s integrated framework for innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech offers an exceptional quality of life, a welcoming university community, and access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding region. We invite creative and ambitious scholars to join our community and help shape the future of chemical engineering through discovery, collaboration, innovation, education, mentorship, and service.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• The degree must be completed by the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral research experience or comparable research experience in industry or a national laboratory.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing or applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance chemical engineering research.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines, particularly in connecting computational methods with experimental research.
• Experience in undergraduate or graduate teaching, student mentoring, or developing educational activities relevant to chemical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Establish an innovative, externally funded research program.
• Contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education.
• Collaborate across engineering, computing, and sciences.

Benefits

• Strong institutional investments in artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary research.
• Access to advanced computing, shared instrumentation, materials characterization, fabrication, and biological research facilities.
• Access to a robust innovation ecosystem that supports the advancement of new technologies from the laboratory to society through LINK, LICENSE, LAUNCH, Virginia Tech’s integrated framework for innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
• Exceptional quality of life, a welcoming university community, and access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding region.
• Participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree