Professor and Chair of Chemistry

Professor and Chair of Chemistry . Location: Cookeville, TN, United States . Description of Job Duty: 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. .

Essential Functions

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 both 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.

Physical Demands

Those typical to an office/classroom environment.

Special Instructions

Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.tntech.edu/ and upload the following materials: (1) Cover letter addressing qualifications and leadership vision; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) Statement of administrative and educational philosophies (3 pages); (4) Research plan (up to 5 pages); (5) Copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire); and (6) Contact information for four professional references who will be contacted at time of interview. Application screening begins January 4, 2027. The search remains open until the position is filled. Email inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Applicants must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this role.

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

Information: Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months. .

Minimum Qualifications

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 with 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.