Department Chair - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH seeks a dynamic Department Chair for the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

The Chair will provide bold leadership, advance undergraduate and graduate programs, and expand research impact while upholding shared values. Responsibilities include administrative oversight, faculty governance, budget development, external engagement, and strategic visioning.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, or Biomedical Engineering.
• Credentials consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Proven academic administrative experience and leadership.
• Commitment to Ohio State’s Shared Values.

Responsibilities

• Oversee department programs and operations.
• Develop strategic plans and annual budgets.
• Foster collaboration with alumni, industry, and stakeholders.
• Lead faculty recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes.
• Engage students and maintain program excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Faculty development

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomolecular/Biomedical Eng

Full professor credentials

Job description

Department Chair – Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

The Ohio State University Columbus, OH

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE). The department seeks a strategic leader who will advance the department’s mission by strengthening top-tier undergraduate and graduate programs, expanding research excellence and impact, serving as a trusted authority for industry, government, and society, and fostering a learning and working environment grounded in Ohio State’s Shared Values. This position will start as early as July 2027.

Position Overview

The Chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is expected to provide bold and collaborative leadership. As the academic leader of the second largest chemical engineering program in the country, the Chair will envision innovative approaches to educating the next generation of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering leaders, enhance the department’s reputation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, and leverage the unique strengths of The Ohio State University’s land-grant mission and highly engaged alumni network. The Chair will cultivate a longstanding culture of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff and lead a diverse faculty spanning tenure-track, professional practice, lecturer, and affiliated appointments. The anticipated departmental trajectory over the next five to ten years will require ethical leadership, integrity, transparency, financial stewardship, effective communication, facilitation of difficult conversations, and the ability to cultivate synergistic collaborations.

Performance Objectives

The Department Chair serves as the administrative head of the department and represents the faculty in dealings with the Dean and university administration. The Chair is appointed for a four-year term, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee department programs and operations.
• Develop and maintain effective administrative practices in consultation with faculty and staff.
• Ensure efficient and timely operations.
• Maintain and strengthen the department's tradition of collegiality, mutual respect, and collaboration among faculty and staff.

Faculty Collaboration

• Schedule regular faculty meetings and maintain appropriate records.
• Consult with faculty on policy matters and uphold shared governance principles.
• Involve faculty in recruitment and review of new members.
• Involve faculty in the development of a strategic plan.

Student Engagement

• Engage actively with undergraduate and graduate students through departmental activities and events, including those organized by the undergraduate AIChE Chapter and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Council.

Personnel Management

• Develop procedures for faculty appointments, promotions, tenure, and salary adjustments.
• Conduct periodic faculty and staff evaluations.
• Recommend appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the Dean.

Academic and Research Excellence

• Foster collaborative excellence in interdisciplinary research.
• Promote educational innovation and continuous improvement of instruction.
• Ensure equitable distribution of faculty responsibilities.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop annual budget recommendations in consultation with faculty and staff, aligning resource allocation with departmental priorities and strategic goals.
• Steward departmental resources effectively, identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of instructional and administrative operations.

External Engagement and Advancement

• Build and nurture enduring relationships with alumni, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Develop joint programs with corporate partners.
• Pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with College and University Advancement offices.

Reporting Structure

The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Earned doctorate in Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, or Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Credentials consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Demonstrated prior research excellence relevant to Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with strong scholarly publication and external funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to Ohio State’s Shared Values.
• Proven academic administrative experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to a collaborative culture that supports faculty, staff, and student success.
• Commitment to academic excellence and promoting interdisciplinary fields within departmental research and education.
• Strong commitment to faculty and staff growth and development.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and reflective leadership.
• Ability to develop and implement a strategic vision for the department.

Desired

• Proven ability to establish networks within the university and across external professional sectors.
• A proven history of professional service to the discipline and demonstrations of leadership.
• Experience working with college and university administration.
• Experience with industry, commercialization, and/or translation to practice.
• Expertise in financial stewardship, fundraising, and delegation.
• Proven ability to lead in complex and dynamic environments.

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the Dean and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Application review

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026.

https://apply.interfolio.com/192387

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.