The Opportunity The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering invites applications for the position of Department Chair, with an anticipated start in Fall 2027. The Chair will provide strategic leadership for a growing department with strong research momentum, expanding academic programs, and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the Department Located within Virginia's premier urban research (R1) university, ECE enrolls approximately 350 students and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, including a new master's program in systems engineering. The department includes 19 tenured, tenure-track, and term faculty.
Faculty pursue research spanning micro- and nanoelectronics and photonics; optoelectronic and RF systems; semiconductor science; computer architecture and cyber-physical systems; artificial intelligence and edge technologies; robotics and autonomous systems; signal processing; communications and networking; smart and connected systems; and power, energy, and controls. They collaborate broadly across VCU, including with the university's medical campus, and with industry and government partners. ECE also plays a significant role in the College's multidisciplinary Robotics and Autonomous Systems program, collaborating with Computer Science and Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. The department is committed to maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation that support its research and educational missions.
Learn more: About the VCU College of Engineering Established in 1996 through a public-private partnership, the VCU College of Engineering is undergoing significant growth and transformation under new leadership. The College is expanding its faculty, interdisciplinary research, and educational offerings while advancing high-impact work in pharmaceutical engineering; smart cities, sustainability, and nuclear energy; advanced materials; health care, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, and medical devices; data science; and cybersecurity and cyber-physical systems. Its entrepreneurial approach immerses undergraduate and graduate students in meaningful research throughout their studies.
The College's graduate and online master's programs are nationally ranked and attract students from across the United States and around the world. Signature initiatives include the Medicines for All Institute, an international leader in reducing pharmaceutical costs for underserved populations; the Convergence Lab, a Department of Defense-funded cross-disciplinary institute addressing national defense challenges; and leadership of the Central Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, a state-supported engine for cybersecurity research, innovation, and commercialization.
About VCU and Richmond VCU is a Carnegie-classified university with very high research activity and ranks among the top 100 U.S. universities and the top 50 public universities in federal research and development expenditures. The university's location in Richmond, Virginia's vibrant, art-filled, and culturally rich capital, creates exceptional opportunities for engagement with government, health care, industry, and the community. Washington, D.C., and major federal research agencies, including NSF, NIH, DOD, DOE, and DARPA, are approximately two hours away.
Required Qualifications - An earned doctorate in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
- An internationally recognized record of scholarship, research, and academic achievement commensurate with appointment as a tenured professor.
- Demonstrated management and leadership accomplishments through progressively responsible faculty and administrative roles.
- A well-developed scholarly and research portfolio, including interdisciplinary applications and success in securing external funding, that complements and expands the department's strengths.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Key Responsibilities Teaching Maintains an active faculty role through teaching and/or supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, consistent with departmental needs, institutional expectations, and the Chair's administrative responsibilities. Supports excellence in teaching and learning within the department, promotes innovative and effective instructional practices, and works with faculty to ensure appropriate curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
Research and Scholarly Activity Maintains an active program of scholarly and/or professional activity appropriate to the discipline and institutional mission. Supports and advances the department's research, innovation, and scholarly priorities; promotes interdisciplinary and collaborative research; facilitates external funding opportunities; and supports faculty and student engagement in research and other scholarly activities.
Service Provides service to the department, college/school, university, profession, and broader community as appropriate. Represents the department with internal and external stakeholders and develops partnerships with industry, government, professional organizations, alumni, and other constituencies. Promotes the visibility, reputation, and advancement of the department and its programs.
Administration and Leadership Provides strategic and operational leadership for the department, including academic planning; faculty and staff recruitment and development; human resources matters; budgeting and resource allocation; enrollment and program planning; assessment, accreditation, and compliance. Leads the development and implementation of departmental goals and priorities in alignment with college and university strategic plans. The Chair oversees departmental operations and fosters a collaborative, open, and collegial environment that supports faculty, staff, and student success. The Chair works closely with faculty and college leadership on curriculum development, program quality, enrollment management, research development, student recruitment and retention, and long-term departmental planning. The Chair also advocates for departmental resources and represents the department in institutional and external forums.
How to Apply Applicants should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and the names and email addresses of four references.
Reference letters will be requested for finalists. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin November 16, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information, contact
Arvind Agarwal, Ph.D., Chair of the Search Committee, at .
Unit: College Of Engineering
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Salary Range: Commensurate
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid
ORP Eligible: Yes
Rank: Professor
Tenure: Tenure Track/Tenured
Months: 12 months
Contact Information:Contact Name: Dr. Arvind Agarwal
Contact Email: 
