Position:

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University (K-State) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. The research focus of the applicant should be in the area of materials or processes that address the challenges of sustainability, energy supply, and renewable resources. Preference will be given to applications received by October 15, 2012; however, the position will remain open until filled. PhD candidates, recent graduates, and postdocs are encouraged to apply.

 

Required Qualifications:

Candidates should have • PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent fields by the time of employment at K-State • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to develop and sustain an active, externally funded research program, and effectively manage research projects and student/staff researchers • Commitment to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the chemical engineering curriculum

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Additionally, ideal candidates will have • Versatility in teaching • Ability to work in teams and collaborate with constituents beyond the department and college • Willingness to serve the department, institution, and profession through active participation in committees and professional societies.  

 

The Department:

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University has a rich tradition of teaching excellence coupled with interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Many of its undergraduate students consistently graduate with academic honors, become leaders in technologically sophisticated industries, and earn advanced degrees from prestigious graduate schools. With an emphasis on educating PhD students, the ChE graduate program offers strong financial support through externally funded research grants including an IGERT on biofuels and biobased products as well as excellent educational and professional development opportunities for graduate students. The department currently has 10 faculty members, 200 undergraduate students and 25 graduate students. Active research and teaching programs exist in the areas of separations, transport, catalysis, thermodynamics, sustainable energy, nanotechnology, and semiconductors. The department has nationally recognized AIChE and Omega Chi Epsilon Student Chapters. Additional information is available at www.che.ksu.edu

 

The University:

The department plays an integral role in K-State’s College of Engineering, which is the largest and most comprehensive engineering college in Kansas with a strong commitment to diversity and enrollment of approximately 3000 undergraduates and 530 graduate students (www.engg.ksu.edu). The State of Kansas legislature has committed funds for the College of Engineering to significantly increase its number of BS graduates by 25% over the next ten years. In addition, by implementing the K-State 2025 visionary plan (www.k-state.edu/2025), K-State will be improving its stature in research and education. K-State is a Land Grant University and is designated a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Intensive Institution and has been ranked among the top state and private institutions of higher education in Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars since 1986. Current enrollment is over 23,000 students.

Work Environment at K-State:

Strong professional development of new faculty by the department including competitive salaries and start-up packages, and teaching and research mentoring to ensure a successful start to their careers. Ample space will be available in the department’s newly renovated research laboratories. Several centers and multidisciplinary programs offer excellent opportunities to facilitate collaboration (www.ksu.edu/directories/research-facilities.html). K-State has been selected as the future home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF); this $650 million research facility will provide research infrastructure to protect the country’s food supply and agriculture economy.

 

How to Apply:

Submission of applications and nominations will be accepted by Prof. Peter Pfromm, Search Committee Chair electronically at CHEsearch@ksu.edu or at Kansas State University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 1005 Durland Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-5000. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Pfromm at this e-mail address or phone: (785) 532-4312.

Complete applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research objectives and teaching philosophy, and the contact information of at least three professional references. Inquiries and applications will be confidential. The names of finalists who come to the campus for interviews will be announced publicly.

 

Salary:

Commensurate with qualifications.

 

The Community:

Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, a progressive university community with a metropolitan population of over 110,000, and is located in the scenic Flint Hills of Northeast Kansas (see www.manhattan.org). The community offers a friendly and safe environment. It also features excellent housing, outstanding schools, excellent parks and recreation facilities, a wide variety of shopping and dining establishments, and short commute times.

 

In accordance with Kansas Board of Regents policy, a successful pre-employment criminal background check is required for the final candidate. Kansas State University is an Affirmative Action, equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.