Description

CHAIR

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

TENNESSEE TECH UNIVERSITY

The College of Arts and Sciences at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry. We seek a dynamic and visionary leader who will foster excellence in teaching, research, and service while guiding and leading the department’s continued growth in alignment with the university’s expanding research mission.

Job Summary: The Chair of the Department of Chemistry provides academic and administrative leadership that advances the department’s mission and aligns with the strategic priorities of the College and University. The successful candidate will promote an environment that values academic rigor and integrity, research innovation and impact, inclusive excellence, and student achievement.

Essential Functions: Lead the department in setting and achieving goals that strengthen its teaching, research, service profile, and reputation. Oversee day-to-day departmental operations and functions, including budget management, course scheduling, assessment, and personnel supervision. Promote professional development and mentoring for faculty, staff, and students. Support and enhance student success and satisfaction at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Maintain a personal record of teaching, scholarly activity, and service, and experience appropriate for the rank of full professor. Encourage external research funding and collaborative projects across disciplines and with external partners. Represent the department in interactions with college and university administration, alumni, professional organizations, and community outreach events. Ensure compliance with accreditation, laboratory safety, and research integrity standards.

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A record of excellence in teaching and scholarship with sustained high-quality professional productivity and national recognition in chemistry sufficient to qualify for tenure and appointment at the rank of full professor at Tennessee Technological University. Evidence of commitment to student success and satisfaction, faculty development and achievement, and inclusive academic environments. Ability to identify opportunities, set priorities, and lead strategic initiatives that enhance the department’s academic and research impact.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated integrity, objectivity, professional ethics, and effectiveness in leading large teams. Administrative or leadership experience that includes supervision, budgeting, and/or strategic planning. Experience in managing or supporting research instrumentation or shared laboratory facilities. Industrial, governmental, or interdisciplinary research experience that enhances external collaboration and student opportunities. Experience that enhances student recruiting, enrollment, and retention. Familiarity with accreditation, assessment, and program development processes. Demonstrated success in building partnerships, fundraising, or alumni engagement.

About the Department and College: The Department of Chemistry is located in the recently constructed 160,000 square feet Lab Science Commons building at Tennessee Tech. The department offers ACS-certified B.S. degrees in Chemistry across eight concentrations and a growing M.S. program. Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs and provide students with meaningful hands-on learning experiences and rigorous professional training through undergraduate and graduate research. The department is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, which advances excellence in scientific discovery, creative expression, and liberal arts education. For more information, visit https://www.tntech.edu/cas/chemistry/index.php.

About the University: Tennessee Tech serves approximately 10,600 students and is in Cookeville, Tennessee, a community of about 30,000 nestled on the scenic Highland Rim of the Upper Cumberland Plateau. Cookeville offers a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and proximity to major cities such as Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

Application Procedure: Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.tntech.edu/ and upload the following materials: (1) Cover letter addressing qualifications and leadership vision; (2) Curriculum vitae; (3) Statement of administrative and educational philosophies (3 pages); (4) Research plan (5 pages); (5) Copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire); and (6) Contact information for four professional references who will be contacted at time of interview. Application screening begins January 5, 2026. The search remains open until the position is filled. Email inquiries may be directed to CHEM_Chair_Search@tntech.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Abbreviated Ad: Chair, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Tennessee Tech University. Full-time, nine-month, tenured position. Complete position summary and application procedure available at https://jobs.tntech.edu. The application screening begins January 5, 2026; open until filled. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.