Professor and Chair of Chemistry

Tennessee Tech•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

The Chair of the Department of Chemistry provides academic and administrative leadership that advances the department’s mission and aligns with the strategic priorities of the College and University. The successful candidate will promote an environment that values academic rigor and integrity, research innovation and impact, inclusive excellence, and student achievement. The role includes leading the department in setting and achieving goals that strengthen its teaching, research, service profile, and reputation; overseeing daily operations; supporting professional development and student success; and maintaining a personal record of teaching, scholarly activity, and service. The Chair will encourage external research funding and collaborative projects, represent the department to university and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with accreditation, laboratory safety, and research integrity standards. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The university is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this role. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Application screening begins January 4, 2027, and the search remains open until the position is filled.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
Administrative leadership experience that includes responsibilities such as supervision, budgeting, and/or strategic planning.
A record of excellence in teaching and scholarship, sustained high-quality professional productivity, and national recognition in chemistry sufficient to qualify for tenure and appointment at the rank of full professor at Tennessee Technological University.
Evidence of commitment to student success and satisfaction, faculty development and achievement, and inclusive academic environments.
Ability to identify opportunities, set priorities, and lead strategic initiatives that enhance the department’s academic and research impact.
Applicants must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated integrity, objectivity, professional ethics, and effectiveness in leading large teams.
Experience in managing or supporting research instrumentation or shared laboratory facilities.
Industrial, governmental, or interdisciplinary research experience that enhances external collaboration and student opportunities.
Experience that enhances student recruiting, enrollment, and retention.
Familiarity with accreditation, assessment, and program development processes.
Demonstrated success in building partnerships, fundraising, or alumni engagement.

Responsibilities

Lead the department in setting and achieving goals that strengthen its teaching, research, service profile, and reputation.
Oversee day-to-day departmental operations and functions, including budget management, course scheduling, assessment, and personnel supervision.
Promote professional development and mentoring for faculty, staff, and students.
Support and enhance student success and satisfaction at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Maintain a personal record of teaching, scholarly activity, and service.
Encourage external research funding and collaborative projects across disciplines and with external partners.
Represent the department in interactions with college and university administration, alumni, professional organizations, and community outreach events.
Ensure compliance with accreditation, laboratory safety, and research integrity standards.