The College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at Stony Brook University seeks a highly accomplished scholar and strategic leader to be the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Serving a renewable five-year term, the Chair will be appointed as a full-time tenured faculty member in Mechanical Engineering and, while remaining active in research, will provide sustained strategic leadership of the department.

Mechanical Engineering (ME) at Stony Brook is experiencing an exciting period of growth in both undergraduate and graduate education, currently hosting approximately 450 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, with 22 faculty members. CEAS is similarly going through a period of reinvention, with new emphasis on cross-disciplinary research, innovation, and impact. The Chair of Mechanical Engineering will join a leadership team that is, in the words of CEAS dean Andrew Singer, dedicated to “providing a world-class education in engineering and applied sciences that fosters in our students an endless curiosity and fascination, equipped with the technical knowledge to make a difference.”

Responsibilities

The Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering will -

• Lead the department by developing and advancing a compelling vision for its excellence in research, education, service, and impact

• Work with CEAS and partners, execute and align the department strategic plan to that of the college and campus strategic plans

• Sustain and expand the scholarly excellence of the department, and endeavor to be a leading program in the country

• Foster, advocate, and promote cutting-edge, innovative undergraduate and graduate curricula as well as multidisciplinary research collaborations through effective leadership and management; foster a positive, engaging environment for undergraduate program excellence

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and work with faculty and staff to promote and create initiatives in these important principles throughout the department

• Serve as an engaged, institutionally focused member of the dean’s leadership team, contributing to the overall developing of CEAS resources, direction, and success

• Leverage both existing and new connections with industry to better position the department as a leader in cutting-edge research and industry partnerships

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field. Ten (10) years of teaching and research experience. A proven record of scholarship and the ability to support a vibrant research program along with an outstanding record of professional achievement. Excellent leadership and management skills required to lead a world-class research and education program. Demonstrated academic leadership experience and a commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion among faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. A record of successful administrative experience managing personnel, budgets, and department or center/institute or school/college academic operations. Fundraising experience is preferred.

Appointment terms

The Chair will serve a renewable five-year term subject to an appropriately rigorous periodic review. Elements of the appointment such as underlying faculty salary, teaching load, outside engagements, and summer compensation are negotiable. The Chair will have an underlying faculty position as a tenured full professor. 9-month faculty salary is commensurate with experience and rank; the department chair also receives an administrative supplement and can negotiate other elements of their total compensation package including research support.

Click here for the full description of this role.

To Apply:

Stony Brook University has retained Opus Partners (www.opuspartners.net) to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, and Carli Swartz, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Inquiries, applications, and nominations should go to carli.swartz@opuspartners.net. Required application materials include a CV and cover letter that addresses the aspirations and focal areas of the Institute as well as the required and preferred qualifications established in this document. Stony Brook University values diversity, equity, and inclusion and will seek a leader who is committed to promoting these values. You can read more about Stony Brook’s efforts here. The University encourages candidates to address in their cover letters how they have promoted these values in their career and/or how they would plan to do so in this role. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. 

• EEO/AA Policy

  Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.