Associate/Full Professor/Chair-Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Southern University is seeking a Department Chair for the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department. The successful candidate will oversee administrative and academic functions, promote research, and lead faculty. A Ph.D. in a related field and a strong record of teaching and research are required. Ideal candidates have 6+ years as tenure-track faculty and experience in leadership roles. This position offers a significant opportunity to establish new programs and initiatives within the department.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in an engineering department.
• Record of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Eligibility for immediate appointment as Associate Professor/Full Professor with tenure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all administrative and academic functions of the department.
• Engage in and promote active research and technology development.
• Lead faculty in curricular development and student recruitment.

Skills

Recruiting

Mentoring faculty and staff

Problem-solving

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Under the general guidance of the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Chair of the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for all the administrative and academic functions of the Department. The Department Chair teaches at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, leads the faculty in continued curricular development, engages in and promotes active research and leads initiatives to build the academic program and to secure necessary funding and accreditations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a senior administrative and academic leadership position requiring significant experience to build and establish a new Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering including recruiting new faculty to support two new BS engineering degree programs in aerospace and mechanical.

Essential Duties Summary

• Assumes responsibility for the administrative and academic functions of the department, manages course assignments and enrollment, oversees departmental budget, and conducts student advising.
• Teaches at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Leads the faculty in continued curricula development, student recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Engages in and promotes active research and technology development. Promotes industrial partnerships or collaborations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
• Assumes responsibility for the management and maintenance of all departmental records, and preparation of reports in accordance with college procedures. Obtains and/or manages existing extracurricular grants and contracts either independently or in collaboration with departmental faculty.

Education

Required:

• An earned Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (e.g., Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science) from an accredited institution.
• A distinguished record of internationally recognized research, evidenced by high impact peer‑reviewed publications and a consistent history of securing external funding (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD, or industry grants).

Required Licensing/Certification

None Required.

Knowledge

Knowledge of:

• ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through the continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
• Basic office and financial processes and procedures.

Skill in

• Recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, with a focus on career progression and conflict resolution.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making, multitasking, and time management.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to

• Assists the dean in supervising and directing the work activities of staff in departments, functional areas, or program.
• Supervises faculty and staff and provides overall direction and expectations for the department, functional area, or program.
• Perform human resources responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system.

Work Experience

Required:

• Requires at least 6 years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member in an engineering department.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Candidates must be eligible for immediate appointment of Associate Professor/Full Professor with tenure.

Preferred

• Previous leadership roles such as Department Chair/Associate Chair, Program Director, or Center Director.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through the continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, with a focus on career progression and conflict resolution.

Working/Environmental Conditions

• Routine office environment.
• Sitting or standing in one location much of the time.
• Use of video display terminal

UA EEO Statement

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.