Department of Materials Science and Engineering Department Head

Description

The Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering invites applications for the position of Professor and Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is one of ten academic departments in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and is a small but highly ranked department in undergraduate and graduate education (US News & World Report). Founded in 1906 as the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, MSE has a long and distinguished tradition in education and research, and today its 26 core faculty continue to address the most important and challenging issues at the forefront of science and technology. As a highly interdisciplinary department, several of our faculty share joint appointments in different departments within the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering and Mellon College of Science. The department includes 122 undergraduate, 44 Masters, and 105 PhD students, and operations are managed by 18 full-time staff. Current research foci include Soft Materials, Characterization, Alloy Design & Manufacturing, AI & Computation, and Quantum Materials.

An accomplished and decisive academic leader is sought to provide strategic vision, leadership, and outstanding operational management; to oversee world-class research and educational programs; and to guide the Department of Materials Science and Engineering to the highest level of accomplishment and impact. The Department Head will maintain and strengthen the culture of innovation in education and research; expand the reputation of the department; lead the department in strategic planning; build on the department's recent success in faculty recruitment to strengthen emerging areas of materials research; demonstrate a commitment to high-quality administration; and empower students with flexible, interdisciplinary, practice-oriented and applied education in a collaborative environment.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration of applications will be given until May 1, 2027. The expected start date is September 1, 2027, with flexibility available based on mutual agreement. E-mail inquiries concerning this position may be sent to the Search Committee at

Carnegie Mellon University provides resources through its Dual Career Program , that assists with dual-career searches.

Qualifications

Individuals with expertise across a wide range of areas related to Materials Science and Engineering will be considered, with particular interest in quantum materials, soft and biological materials, electronic and magnetic materials, and characterization and automated experimentation. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in a field of engineering or science closely related to the disciplinary expertise of the department. An internationally recognized record of research, education, mentorship, and leadership is essential. Applicants must be qualified for an appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit applications electronically, including a cover letter that describes management experience and leadership philosophy as well as a vision addressing the future of Materials Science and Engineering, both in the US and globally (3-page limit). This application should also include a curriculum vitae and two statements: a statement of research experience and interests (3-page limit); a statement of teaching and mentoring experience and interests (3-page limit). The search committee will solicit names of references and their contact information only for a subset of applicants after the initial review. Applicants will be notified in advance before letters are requested.