Chair - Chemical Engineering & Environmental Toxicology

Chair - Chemical Engineering & Environmental Toxicology

Under the general guidance of the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Environmental Toxicology 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the administrative and academic functions of the department, manage course assignments and enrollment, oversee the departmental budget, and conduct student advising.
• Teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Lead the faculty in continued curriculum development, student recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Engage in and promote active research and technology development, and promote industrial partnerships or collaborations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
• Manage and maintain all departmental records, and prepare reports in accordance with college procedures.
• Obtain and/or manage existing extracurricular grants and contracts either independently or in collaboration with departmental faculty.

Education and Qualifications

• Terminal degree: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field (e.g., Materials Science and Engineering) from an accredited institution.
• 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).
• No specific licensing or certifications required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
• Basic office and financial processes and procedures.
• 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Assistance in supervising and directing work activities of staff in departments, functional areas, or programs.
• Supervision of faculty and staff, providing overall direction and expectations for the department.

Work Experience

• Typically hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher, or be eligible for immediate appointment to that rank with tenure.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Preferred: Prior leadership experience such as Department Chair/Associate Chair, Program Director, or Center Director.
• Preferred: Demonstrated knowledge of ABET accreditation standards.
• Preferred: Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Preferred: Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, focusing on career progression and conflict resolution.

Working/Environmental Conditions

Routine office environment; sitting or standing in one location for most of the time; use of video display terminals.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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.

Position Status

Open until filled.