Department Chair, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering invites applications for the position of department chair. The candidate will lead a distinguished program with a strong maritime research portfolio and a commitment to education across undergraduate and graduate studies.

The successful candidate will be a tenured full professor with a doctoral degree, proven scholarly impact, and a track record in research, teaching, and service.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a closely aligned field.
• Candidates from broader engineering may be considered if a sustained maritime focus is shown.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to the department and faculty.
• Expand sponsored research programs and industry partnerships.
• Mentor faculty, engage with staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders to advance the department.

Skills

Leadership

Scholarly impact

Mentoring

Education

Doctorate in naval architecture or marine engineering

Job description

The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan hereby invites applications and nominations for the esteemed position of Department Chair. Beginning with its first course offerings in 1881, the department has developed a distinguished 145-year legacy of exemplary education and pioneering maritime research. It is recognized as the first program of its kind nationwide, the last remaining stand‑alone NA&ME department at an R1 institution encompassing undergraduate through graduate studies, and is considered the premier naval architecture program in the United States. NA&ME comprises 13 tenured and tenure‑track faculty members, 2 full‑time and 2 adjunct professors of practice, 7 research scientists, 84 undergraduate students, and 81 graduate students, supported by an annual research budget exceeding ten million dollars. The department actively pursues research across various topics within the maritime domain, including ship design, ship production and management; dynamics and controls; hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; marine renewable energy; robotics and autonomy; structural and hydro‑acoustics; and yacht design. Additional information can be found on the department’s official website: name.engin.umich.edu.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar with an earned doctorate in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a closely aligned field. Candidates holding degrees in broader engineering disciplines must demonstrate a central, sustained record of scholarly impact specifically anchored in maritime systems or marine applications. The successful candidate will possess an exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service at a level commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. They must exhibit visionary leadership abilities, an appreciation for the diverse sub‑disciplines within the department, and a strong commitment to expanding sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty. The candidate will lead and support the faculty to ensure high‑quality learning flourishes at all levels, while engaging collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry partners to advance the department’s unique position in the field.

The deadline for ensuring full consideration of an application is November 30, 2026, but the position will remain open and applications may still be considered until the appointment is made.

Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self‑disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an Active Dual‑Career Assistance Program. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.