Materials Science & Engineering Department Chair

The University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) in the College of Engineering (COE). The department comprises 23 primary faculty, 42 affiliate faculty who advise MS&E graduate students, and a community of teaching faculty and instructional and support staff. MS&E at UW-Madison is recognized for world-class, collaborative research that advances materials innovation with broad impact, including sustainability, performance in extreme environments , autonomous research, additive manufacturing, energy production and storage, and information and quantum technologies. These efforts are driven by transformative approaches to synthesis, processing, characterization, and discovery, leveraging AI, data science, and advanced computation. Faculty and students benefit from access to state-of-the-art UW facilities for materials synthesis, characterization, and computation.

The Chair will enter the College of Engineering at a transformative period of major investments designed to enhance the growth and development of the college and department. These investments include the Phillip A Levy Engineering Center, a $420 million investment in state-of-the-art facilities for learning and discovery. This 395,000-square-foot facility will be the centerpiece of our engineering campus and will feature shared laboratories that unite faculty, staff and students from all engineering disciplines around a common challenge.

The Dean of Engineering has committed to expanding the Materials Science & Engineering department with additional space renovations and startup costs for new faculty leading research. As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the department's future-leading strategic growth, expanding academic programs, recruiting top-tier faculty, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate the department's national and international profile through partnerships with industry leaders and to contribute to the broader growth of engineering at UW Madison. The Chair is responsible for leading all aspects of the department's mission. The role reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering. The initial term of appointment is five years, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment. The selected candidate will be appointed with an endowed chair position that will include investiture and discretionary resources.

The successful candidate will be a visionary leader who is deeply committed to UW-Madison's public mission, who is able to lead effectively in an environment of shared governance and dedicated to fostering student engagement and success. The Chair will be an accomplished scholar with a record of research excellence who will inspire and mentor faculty, support innovation, and elevate the department's research profile. The Chair will be eager to listen and collaborate with a broad community of stakeholders, cultivate an inclusive and supportive departmental culture that strengthens community both within and beyond the university, and advance cross-disciplinary partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives. The Chair will be committed to fundraising and to building strong connections with alumni, industry, and other academic partners.

Department Leadership:
* Shape and promote a vision, mission, and strategic plan for the department

* Promote and support high-impact research initiatives

* Support and enhance the educational mission of the department, college, and university

* Manage the administrative, financial, and space components of the department

* Grow development by engaging alumni and external partners

* Enhance the national and international recognition and reputation of the department

Faculty and Staff Oversight, Recruitment and Development:

* Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department's faculty members;

* Identify areas of current and future faculty needs for the department's research and teaching mission

* Lead faculty recruitment efforts in conjunction with departmental faculty

* Mentor and support junior and senior faculty in their professional growth

Provide Teaching and Instruction, Research Activities, and Service Activities.

College Leadership:

* Serve on the Dean's Leadership Council with other department Chairs and Associate Deans

Department:

• College of Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering

Compensation:

• Negotiable - 9 months / ongoing / renewable

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates are sought at the Associate/Full professor level.

• Required qualifications include demonstrated accomplishments in research and teaching appropriate for a tenured faculty appointment at UW-Madison. Must possess experience and scholarly credentials that meet the tenure standards of the UW-Madison Divisional Committee and the College of Engineering.

• Preferred qualifications include demonstrated intellectual leadership and administrative skills in an academic/university environment or equivalent, active engagement with the student body and broader campus community, deep understanding of faculty governance and university culture, knowledge of the current landscape and emerging trends in materials science and engineering.

Education:

• PhD in Materials Science & Engineering or a closely related field

How to Apply:

Please upload a SINGLE PDF with the following materials:

• * A cover letter outlining the vision for the department and relevant leadership experience

• * A curriculum vitae highlighting research accomplishments (including complete list of publications), teaching, mentoring experience and administrative roles

• * A statement of leadership philosophy

• * A statement of research and teaching

Reference letters will only be requested for finalists for the position.

Deadline:

• The deadline for assuring full consideration is December 31, 2025. However, the position will remain open, and applications may be considered until the position is filled.

Contact Information:

Cheryl Harris

Department of Materials Science Engineering

cjharris5@wisc.edu

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

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