Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs - 530114

The University of Alabama•Tuscaloosa, AL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering at The University of Alabama invites applications for its Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. This role provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for graduate programs and postdoctoral training within the College. The Associate Dean will collaborate with other Associate Deans to ensure synergistic support for student education and success across the College. Key responsibilities include enhancing the quality and competitiveness of graduate programs, overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and fostering an inclusive academic environment. The position is crucial for advancing the College’s research mission by aligning graduate programs with industry trends and preparing graduates for leadership roles.

Requirements

Earned Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
Experience as a tenured faculty member in an engineering, computer science, or related department with 5+ years of graduate teaching and mentoring experience.
Experience in a College of Engineering or similar academic unit at a research-intensive institution (R1).
Strong track record as a research active and accomplished scholar who has developed and sustained an extramurally funded research program and who has used that research program as an environment in which to educate and train both graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across diverse groups.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
A collaborative leadership style with the ability to build consensus among faculty, staff, and administration.

Nice To Haves

Credentials and a record commensurate with being appointed as a tenured Professor in one of the seven departments in the UA College of Engineering.
Administrative experience such as university administrative experience in an R1 university College of Engineering at a departmental, research center, or higher level.
Experience with graduate program development and management at a departmental level or higher.
Familiarity with national and international trends in graduate education in engineering and computer science, including online learning and degree programs.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the development, assessment, and continuous improvement of graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) across all engineering and computer science departments.
Collaborate with Department Heads, Associate Heads of Graduate Studies, and Graduate Program Directors to ensure graduate academic programs align with the college's strategic goals and maintain academic rigor and relevance.
Oversee the development and implementation of new graduate degree programs, concentrations, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Ensure compliance with university, state, and accreditation policies for graduate education.
Develop and lead college-wide recruitment strategies to attract top-tier domestic and international graduate students.
Oversee and enhance the graduate admissions process, ensuring equitable, transparent, and competitive procedures.
Work closely with the Dean, faculty, and external partners to increase financial support for graduate students.
Foster a supportive environment that promotes the success and well-being of graduate students, including initiatives related to academic advising, mentorship, and career development.
Design and implement programs and resources that support graduate students in their academic progression, research, and professional development.
Lead efforts to promote the development of transferable skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurship opportunities for graduate students.
Oversee initiatives that provide academic and career support for international students, underrepresented groups, and non-traditional students.
Provide oversight and support for the postdoctoral experience within the Styslinger College of Engineering.
Develop and lead programs that enhance postdoctoral scholars’ training, including mentorship programs, teaching opportunities, and pathways for academic and industry careers.
Advocate for postdoctoral scholars within the college and across the university.
Collaborate with central university offices to ensure postdoctoral policies and practices meet national best practices.
Support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in securing external funding through fellowships, grants, and sponsored research opportunities.
Collaborate with the Office of Research to identify and promote funding opportunities.
Oversee the allocation and management of internal fellowship programs and other financial awards for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Serve as a key member of the college’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning for graduate and postdoctoral education and research.
Collaborate with faculty, department leadership, College leadership, and leadership across the university to foster interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities.
Work with university-level graduate and postdoctoral offices to align college programs with broader institutional goals and initiatives.
Represent the College of Engineering on university committees, national forums, and external collaborations.
Collaborate with the Dean, development office, and alumni relations to identify and secure resources that support graduate initiatives.
Oversee academic and research misconduct processes at the College level for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Manage academic review and academic standing processes for graduate students in the College.
Manage academic grievance matters pertaining to graduate students.
Lead and coordinate the college’s graduate recruitment strategies.
Develop and maintain relationships with other peer engineering and science programs at leading universities.
Oversee outreach programs and initiatives that engage undergraduate students such as REU programs.
Oversee faculty participation in graduate teaching and ensure faculty engagement in graduate curriculum development, teaching quality, and student mentoring.