Department Chair - R157905

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the Chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

This senior academic leadership role will guide undergraduate and graduate programs, expand research impact, and foster an inclusive and collaborative environment. The appointment may begin as early as July 2027 and reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in administration and budgeting is desirable.
• Commitment to a collaborative, diverse academic culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide bold, collaborative leadership for the department.
• Oversee programs, operations, and strategic planning.
• Engage with alumni, industry, and external partners for funding and programs.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic vision

Administration

Education

Doctorate in Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, or Biomedical Engineering

Job description

The Ohio State University: College of Engineering: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Location

Columbus Campus,CBEC (0248)

Open Date

Aug 26, 2026

Deadline

Nov 01, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

The Ohio State University

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 November 1, 2026.

Department Information

The William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is home to a distinguished community of scholars working in diverse research areas including bioengineering, reaction engineering and catalysis, separations, systems engineering, particulates and multiphase flows, colloids, molecular simulation, polymers, nanomaterials, and sustainability. Our department comprises tenure-track faculty, emeritus faculty, clinical professors, research professors, and professors of practice. Furthermore, our faculty includes National Academy of Engineering (NAE) members, National Science Federation (NSF) Career Award winners, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Fellows, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Fellows, American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellows, and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows. They bring an exceptional depth of experience, with records of distinctions that include numerous teaching awards and dozens of ACS and AIChE awards. Our primary strength lies in cultivating a deeply cohesive and collaborative culture across the whole department.

The department is housed in Koffolt Laboratories, a 60,000-square-foot facility featuring state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge equipment, and a specialized Unit Operations lab. Designed to foster both innovation and community, the building includes multiple conference rooms, dedicated student lounges, and a central lobby used for department events. Furthermore, the department maintains active research collaborations with the Ohio Supercomputer Center, the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, and the university’s Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC), which is one of only 58 comprehensive cancer centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that integrates scientific research, education, and innovative care.

CBE offers undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) programs, with total enrollment around 900 students. Graduates are recruited by companies such as Dell, Intel, Shell, Dow, DuPont, General Mills, Procter & Gamble, and many others, while other students continue on in academia at such institutions as Georgia Tech, University of Wisconsin, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern University. With a global network of more than 6000 living alumni, there are countless opportunities to connect with fellow Ohio State Buckeyes after graduation.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university, and Columbus here .

The University

The Ohio State University is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values , our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here .

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC).

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here . Beyondits Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI).

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

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.