Department Chair - Materials Science and Engineering

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University in Columbus invites applications for Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The chair leads a unique ABET-accredited program in Materials Science and Welding Engineering, guiding strategic direction and fostering collaboration across campuses, centers like CEMAS, CDME, EJTC, and with industry partners.

The Chair will set a bold vision for education, research excellence, and external engagement, manage faculty and staff, oversee budget and

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in materials science and engineering or a closely related field.
• Credentials appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Demonstrated excellence in materials science and engineering and/or welding engineering research with strong external funding and scholarly publications.
• Commitment to Ohio State’s Shared Values.
• Proven academic administrative experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to faculty collaboration and academic excellence.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee department operations for the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Welding Engineering (WE) programs.
• Develop and maintain effective administrative practices in consultation with faculty.
• Ensure efficient and timely operations.
• 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.
• Develop and refine procedures for faculty appointments, promotions, tenure, and salary adjustments.
• Conduct yearly faculty and staff evaluations.
• Recommend appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the Dean.
• Build relationships with alumni, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement.
• Reporting Structure: The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Administrative experience

Strategic vision

Education

Doctorate in MSE

Full professor credentials

Job description

Department Chair- Materials Science and Engineering

The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The department grants degrees in Materials Science & Engineering and is the only ABET accredited Welding Engineering degree-granting program in the country. The department seeks a leader who can realize our vision of becoming the foremost department in Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering grounded in Ohio State’s shared values. This position will start as early as July 2027.

Position Overview

The Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is expected to provide bold and collaborative leadership. The Chair will envision innovative approaches to educating the next generation of leaders in materials science and welding engineering, enhance the department’s reputation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, and leverage the unique strengths of The Ohio State University’s environment and alumni base. The Chair fosters an environment where faculty, students, and staff are empowered to take intellectual risks, pursue ambitious ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and see themselves as active participants in shaping the future of the field. The anticipated departmental trajectory over the next five to ten years will require ethical leadership, integrity, effective communication, a visionary mindset, a keen awareness of national priorities, and the ability to cultivate synergistic collaborations.

The Chair is expected to think boldly about the future of Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering, while creating a clear and compelling vision for how our department will lead that transformation. They should have the intellectual curiosity and strategic perspective to recognize emerging opportunities, bring together traditionally disparate areas of research, and position the department at the forefront of new fields and technologies. The Chair should be a strategic leader who strengthens the department’s integration with Ohio State’s interdisciplinary research centers and institutes including but not limited to the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), and the Edison Joining Technology Center (EJTC).

The Chair should also be a powerful advocate for Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering, both within the university and beyond. They should be capable of articulating the importance of materials research to university leadership, federal agencies, industry partners, alumni, and the broader public and translating the department's strengths into compelling opportunities for investment and growth.

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 operations for the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Welding Engineering (WE) programs.

• Develop and maintain effective administrative practices in consultation with faculty.

• Ensure efficient and timely operations.

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.

Personnel Management

• Develop and refine procedures for faculty appointments, promotions, tenure, and salary adjustments.

• Conduct yearly faculty and staff evaluations.

• Recommend appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the Dean.

Academic and Research Excellence

• Encourage excellence in research and educational innovation.

• Promote continuous improvement of instruction.

• Ensure equitable distribution of faculty responsibilities.

Budget and Resource Management

• Prepare annual budget recommendations in collaboration with faculty and staff.

• Evaluate instructional and administrative processes for improvement.

External Engagement and Advancement

• Build relationships with alumni, industry partners, and stakeholders.

• Pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement.

Reporting Structure: The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Earned doctorate in materials science and engineering or a closely related field.

• Credentials appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor.

• Demonstrated excellence in materials science and engineering and/or welding engineering research with strong external funding and scholarly publications.

• Demonstrated commitment to Ohio State’s Shared Values.

• Proven academic administrative experience.

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Commitment to faculty collaboration and academic excellence.

• 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:

• Collaborative leadership style with strong internal and external relationships.

• Commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary education.

• Record of academic research excellence, sustained federal and/or industrial funding, professional service and leadership.

• Strong international research reputation and connections with federal funding agencies.

• Experience working with college and university administration.

• Expertise in financial stewardship, fundraising, and delegation.

• Proven ability to lead in complex and dynamic environments.

Additional Information

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.

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