Skip to main content

This job has expired

Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Employer
Lamar University
Location
Beaumont, TX

View more

Position Type
Tenured & Tenure-Track
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Position Title:

Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Lamar University in their search for Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

For best consideration, please apply by February 11, 2022

The Opportunity

As a result of three retirements and two internal promotions, the College of Engineering at Lamar University is hiring five Chair positions in the following areas: Chemical & Biomolecular; Civil & Environmental; Electrical; Industrial & Systems; and Mechanical.

This is an exceptional opportunity and transformational time to join a financially sound University and College enjoying strong state funding, rich local resources with unlimited industry partnerships, community support, and alumni involvement in a University with top down support by President Jaime R. Taylor who brings a PhD in Engineering Science and intimate knowledge of the potential held by the College of Engineering.

Lamar University’s College of Engineering offers a modern, affordable education deep in the heart of one of the most economically important regions in the world. The College is ranked first in the state and third nationwide for return on investment for engineering majors out of more than 500 US colleges along with additional national recognition across all departments. Faculty members continually receive state and national recognition in professional excellence as well as secure funding.

Lamar University, a national Carnegie Doctoral Research university and part of the Texas State University System, is filled with inspired and inspiring students and faculty alike who make lifelong impacts in their surrounding communities.

The successful candidate is student focused and through strong industry partnerships and collaboration is committed to grow student investment and enrollment and produce job-ready graduates. The next Chair is a strong promoter of research and faculty development.

Exceptional candidates may also be considered for an endowed chair/distinguished professor position. Qualification for this distinguished professorship/endowed chair will be evaluated every three years based on goals, achievements, and leadership.

Research expenditures average $1.5 million annually with projects associated with the Center for Resiliency; Texas Air Research Center; Texas Hazardous Waste Center; Center for Midstream Management and Science and the Center for Advances in Port Management. Research funding sources include the National Science Foundation; National Academies of Sciences; Engineering and Medicine; the State of Texas; the port and terminal; and industry, engineering and manufacturing companies in the Southeast Texas area. Lamar University is also leading the Southeast Texas Flood Coordination Study which is a partnership of local, state, federal government, industry, and universities looking to mitigate the effects of flooding along the Texas Gulf Coast. Their recently completed, state of the art Emerson Advanced Technology Center – the result of an over $2.1 million investment in Lamar’s training capabilities – allows students to learn control system fundamentals to cutting edge control system technologies in a safe and controlled environment.

Located near The Sabine-Neches Waterway (home of The Port of Beaumont, Port of Port Arthur, Port of Orange and lined with privately owned marine terminals) – a key transportation hub and major economic driver in the state of Texas, with more than 66,000 direct, indirect, induced and related user jobs – as well as 75 petrochemical sites within a 25-mile radius, engineering students are geographically well-resourced to immediately locate important, deeply rewarding engineering jobs upon graduation in the Southeast Texas area. The surrounding community of Beaumont offers incredible affordability and vibrant lifestyle opportunities – a cosmopolitan city on the gulf coast, with a bustling restaurant scene, warm winter months, and beautiful coastlines – makes this a premier, life changing experience for any up-and-coming engineer or engineering professor.

The Position

Lamar University, a public, Carnegie Doctoral Research University, is seeking a Department Chair to lead the Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. Exceptional candidates may also be considered for and endowed chair/distinguished professor position. Qualification for this distinguished professorship/endowed chair will be evaluated every three years based on goals, achievements, and leadership.

Lamar University (LU), a member of the Texas State University System, has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, with an enrollment of 17,000. LU has been recognized nationally for its general education core curriculum, leadership in online education, and selection as a member of the Honor Roll of the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For”.

LU is located in Beaumont, in the southeastern region of Texas on the Texas Gulf Coast and is a major contributor to the nation’s oil and gas, transportation, refining and supply. LU College of Engineering (COE) is affiliated with six research centers, including the Center for Resiliency (CfR), Center for Advances in Port Management (CAPM), Center of Midstream Management and Science (CMMS), Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ), Texas Air Research Center (TARC), and the Texas Hazardous Waste Research Center (THWRC).

The LUCOE offers a modern, affordable education deep in the heart of one of the most economically important regions in the world. Seventy-five petrochemical facilities are located within a 20-mile radius of Lamar University’s beautiful campus. The LUCOE is consistently ranked in the top five nationally for higher education value and return on investment. Our six research centers offer a tremendous amount of support to the College of Engineering’s faculty and students.

The LUCOE has a longstanding history of providing a high value, student-centric education and collaboration with industry. The LUCOE is embarking on an exciting journey of growth and enhanced partnerships with industry, while continuing to enrich our student-centric world class education. The opportunity for the LUCOE to hire five world class leaders to serve as department chairs for all five of LUCOE’s engineering departments provides successful candidates an amazing transformative opportunity.

Position Summary/Basic Function

Lamar University invites applicants for a full-time, tenured faculty position (essential that the successful candidate will be able receive tenure at Lamar University) at the Associate/Full Professor level in the Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Position Description

The Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers a bachelor of science in chemical engineering, master of engineering in chemical engineering, master of engineering science in chemical engineering, a doctor of engineering in chemical engineering and a PhD in chemical engineering. The bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org/. The department has approximately 350 students and 12 faculty.

The department chair will represent and advocate for all departmental faculty, staff, students and programs; manage departmental personnel, budget and resources; oversee program reviews; evaluate faculty and staff; oversee course schedule building process, lead departmental recruiting and retention efforts; develop new academic programs; assist in building/strengthening industry partnership; and provide leadership in the university, state, and region, thus promoting excellence in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Lead the department’s domestic and international student recruiting and retention efforts at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  2. Provide leadership for all departmental programs and ensure that curriculum, instruction, assessment, and research are innovative, of the highest quality, aligned with college and university strategic plans, and ABET and SACS requirements.
  3. Modernize the curriculum and methods of course delivery. Develop certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels within the department and through collaboration with other departments within the college of engineering.
  4. Serve as a leader in departmental and collaborative governmental and industry funded research efforts.
  5. Oversee departmental administration including scheduling and staffing courses, administering the budget, overseeing staff, and the day-to-day operations of the department.
  6. Provide leadership and effective representation for the department at the college and university levels, including establishment and implementation of college and university policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  7. Foster effective, mutually beneficial relationships with local, state, and national agencies, as well other constituencies relevant to programs represented in the Department.
  8. Facilitate faculty development and collaboration and engage in meaningful evaluation of faculty.
About the University

Home to more than 17,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. Lamar University (LU) is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

The university stresses academic achievement by emphasizing hands-on learning at all levels, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate research and supporting an excellent Honors Program. Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is one of 29 public universities recognized as a Doctoral/Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Several LU colleges and programs hold additional specialized certifications and accreditations recognizing their quality and expertise.

Lamar University ranks in top 10 best public universities in Texas.

For additional information about Lamar University, College of Engineering and the Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering please visit: https://www.lamar.edu/, https://www.lamar.edu/engineering/index.html and https://www.lamar.edu/engineering/chemical/index.html.

About the College of Engineering

The College of Engineering has five academic departments: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Bachelors, Masters, and doctoral degrees are offered in each of the five departments. College of Engineering (LUCOE) students have numerous employment opportunities during and after graduation through the co-op and internship program. With 46 full-time faculty members, 1,313 undergraduate students, 227 masters’ students and 70 doctoral students, LUCOE remains steadfast in their commitment to students who may have difficulties in the recovering job market. All 15 masters’ degree options in the LUCOE now offer 4+1 pathways, and there are six new certificates that students can take as part of their degree program or as a standalone certificate for nondegree seeking students. More information about the 4+1s and the certificates can be found at Degrees and Programs. Lamar University recently created the Center for Resiliency (CfR) that will serve the State of Texas by establishing a networking center and data collaborative for multi-disaster resiliency in alignment with the Lamar University vision of leadership in quality educational opportunities, community engagement, economic impact, and accessibility. The College of Engineering offers the opportunities and attention of a private university, at the expense of a public institution with the motto of “Imagine it. Design it. Build it. Improve it.”

Living in the Area

With a population of over 115,000 in Beaumont and 409,000 in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan area, the region boasts a lower cost of living than the national average and most cities in the state. The area’s destiny changed course dramatically in 1901 when the first oil well blew in the nearby Spindletop field and turned the area from a quiet lumber and port town into a thriving oil and gas economy, with one of the largest concentrations of oil refineries, oil, and petrochemical-related businesses in the state. This has given way to countless job opportunities in the area – for science, research, engineering, and higher education. Living in Beaumont has a cosmopolitan and small town feel wrapped in one – it can be fast paced, as people typically live and work closely together, but also has strong small town community roots and friendly neighbors ready to lend a hand. There is always a new restaurant to try and good nightlife in the area. Education options are abundant in Beaumont, with all education rankings high on national and statewide levels compared to other cities. The gulf coastline offers sweeping, gorgeous sunsets and beach strolls, with exciting places like Houston or Lake Charles, LA for getaways only an hour away.

Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience):

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience

  1. Earned terminal degree in chemical engineering or equivalent.
  2. Demonstrated experience to be appointed to the academic rank of Associate/Full Professor with tenure.
  3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  4. Demonstrated effective leadership.
  5. Demonstrated experience with ABET and SACS accreditation processes.
  6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
  7. Success securing and mentoring external funding.
  8. Demonstrated experience in recruiting and retention.
The following applies to candidates who are also interested in and may qualify for the Endowed Chair:

Qualifications to be Considered for an Endowed Chair Position (Additional Opportunity)

Endowed chair candidates are expected to have an established record of outstanding intellectual achievement in research and education, as measured by scholarly activity, an international professional reputation, and a demonstrated ability for leadership.

Expectations of an Endowed Chair (Additional Opportunity)

The endowed chair holder is expected to continue their outstanding scholarly activity. This may include scholarship in discovery, integration, application, or teaching.

Evaluation criteria include impact and contribution to the holder’s department, the profession, and society at large.

The endowed chair holder is expected to:

  1. Provide leadership and impact, on an ongoing basis, throughout his or her term as an endowed chair holder.
  2. Examples of this leadership include, but are not limited to:
    • Developing and executing a high impact research agenda
    • Developing multi-investigator programs and multi-disciplinary laboratories
    • Developing innovative educational programs and curricula, fostering collaborations across the College, University, academic field, and industry
    • The recruitment and supervision of high-quality graduate and undergraduate students
    • The recruitment and mentoring of new faculty members
    • Outreach to the broader community.
Through these tasks, the holder will build and/or enhance the reputation of the department, the College, and the University.

The endowed position holder is also expected to interact fully with other faculty members, maintain a teaching load involving both undergraduate and graduate courses, and responsibilities for student supervision and committee assignments. The endowed chair holder’s activities, teaching load, departmental leadership, and other assignments will be reviewed annually with the dean, subject to departmental, college and university policy and existing agreements. The endowed chair position performance will be formally reviewed every three years subject to university policy.

Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience):

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who meet the requirements listed above and one or more of the following:

  1. Experience in higher education as a department chair, program coordinator or comparable leadership position.
  2. Experience developing new academic programs and certificates, etc.
  3. Experience in online education.
  4. Experience evaluating and mentoring faculty and managing other personnel.
  5. Experience serving as an ABET PEV.
  6. Experience in industry/university partnership development and operations.
  7. Be a licensed Professional Engineer

EEO Statement:

Lamar University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Veteran's Preference:

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Security Sensitive Statement:

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Lamar Expectation of Quality:

Employee will support the mission of Lamar by providing high quality, professional services, timely responses and solutions to customer requests.

Open Date:

01/12/2022

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To Apply

Academic Career and Executive Search (ACES) is assisting Lamar University. Inquiries, nominations, and applications will be treated confidentially.

Please click on the external link to get connected to the Academic Career & Executive Search website to apply to the Lamar University Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering:

Link to Apply: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy8zzpl

For best consideration, please apply by February 11, 2022

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to lamarche@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com

The successful candidate must submit official transcripts of the terminal degree and successfully undergo a background check.

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting:

https://jobs.lamar.edu/postings/10483

Organization

Texas Roots. Infinite Possibilities.

Lamar University students enjoy small classes where they can build lasting friendships with professors and peers. The 270-acre campus is in Beaumont, Texas, located about 90 miles east of Houston and 25 miles west of the Louisiana border. A comprehensive public university, Lamar gives students a chance to explore a variety of interests to prepare them to succeed in whatever fields they choose.

Academics

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University offers 63 undergraduate, 47 master's and nine doctoral degree programs. The university has more than 13,000 students enrolled in five academic colleges - Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Fine Arts and Communication. Lamar also offers the College of Graduate Studies and academic programs such as the Center for General Studies.

Students have access to numerous opportunities for scholarships, undergraduate research and study abroad programs. Lamar University students have: 

  • Performed research for NASA and flown experiments on NASA reduced-gravity flights.
  • Presented original research at academic conferences as undergraduates in fields including mathematics, business and sociology.
  • Enjoyed a 73 percent acceptance rate to medical and dental schools in recent years, compared to a 39 percent acceptance rate statewide.
  • Gone on to lead major companies and make a name for themselves in fields from art and music to nursing and engineering.

Athletics

Students can participate in or cheer on their peers in more than a dozen NCAA Division I sports. Last year, the Cardinals were Southland Conference champions in men's golf, cross country and women's tennis. The volleyball and men's basketball teams were regular season co-champs and the women's basketball team was Southland Conference East Division champion. The LU baseball program has produced several major leaguers. The women's soccer program is entering its second season. The golf team has topped national rankings in recent years.

LU is beginning to rebuild a football program. A coach was hired in 2008. The stadium and athletic complex are being renovated, and the Cardinals plan to return to the gridiron in 2010.

Campus Life

A building boom at Lamar University in the past decade has given students access to state-of-the art facilities for learning, playing, dining and living.

Residents of Cardinal Village, the modern residence halls, have private bedrooms, high-speed Internet and amenities including an outdoor pool, basketball courts and community centers. The new dining hall offers a bistro ambience with international and American cuisine.

Working out in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center is like a trip to an exclusive gym where students have an automatic membership. Features include a 43-foot climbing wall, an elevated jogging track, new cardiovascular and weighttraining equipment, and courts for sports such as basketball, racquetball and indoor soccer. Competitive types can participate in intramural sports ranging from basketball and flag football to dodgeball, cricket and pool.

Making friends and building a social network is easy at Lamar with more than 100 clubs and organizations registered on campus. Through campus organizations, students can:

  • Join a fraternity or sorority
  • Get involved in community service
  • Delve into a cause
  • Nurture spiritual beliefs
  • Start networking in future professions
  • Do all of the above.

LU is a short drive from many outdoor adventures: a day at the beach, canoeing or fishing on area rivers and bayous, hiking in the Big Thicket National Preserve. Shopping and entertainment options also are nearby including theaters, museums and live music venues large and small.

History

Lamar University was founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College a few blocks from the current location. The name changed to Lamar College in 1932 to honor Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas and the "Father of Education" in Texas. In 1951, the school became Lamar State College of Technology, a state-supported four-year institution, the first junior college in Texas to make such a transition. The name changed to Lamar University in 1971. The university joined the Texas State University System in 1995.

Visit/Apply

Visit campus to learn more about all Lamar University has to offer. Guided campus tours normally are scheduled at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To arrange a campus visit, call (409) 880-8316 or e-mail recruitment@lamar.edu

To apply for admission, financial aid and scholarships, go to http://lamar.edu/admissions

 

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert