Department Chair - Materials Science and Engineering

Department Chair - Materials Science and Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The department grants degrees in Materials Science & Engineering and is the only ABET accredited Welding Engineering degree-granting program in the country. The department seeks a leader who can realize our vision of becoming the foremost department in Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering grounded in Ohio State’s shared values. This position will start as early as July 2027. Position Overview The Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is expected to provide bold and collaborative leadership. The Chair will envision innovative approaches to educating the next generation of leaders in materials science and welding engineering, enhance the department’s reputation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, and leverage the unique strengths of The Ohio State University’s environment and alumni base. The Chair fosters an environment where faculty, students, and staff are empowered to take intellectual risks, pursue ambitious ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and see themselves as active participants in shaping the future of the field. The anticipated departmental trajectory over the next five to ten years will require ethical leadership, integrity, effective communication, a visionary mindset, a keen awareness of national priorities, and the ability to cultivate synergistic collaborations. The Chair is expected to think boldly about the future of Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering, while creating a clear and compelling vision for how our department will lead that transformation. They should have the intellectual curiosity and strategic perspective to recognize emerging opportunities, bring together traditionally disparate areas of research, and position the department at the forefront of new fields and technologies. The Chair should be a strategic leader who strengthens the department’s integration with Ohio State’s interdisciplinary research centers and institutes including but not limited to the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), and the Edison Joining Technology Center (EJTC). The Chair should also be a powerful advocate for Materials Science and Engineering and Welding Engineering, both within the university and beyond. They should be capable of articulating the importance of materials research to university leadership, federal agencies, industry partners, alumni, and the broader public and translating the department's strengths into compelling opportunities for investment and growth. Performance Objectives The Department Chair serves as the administrative head of the department and represents the faculty in dealings with the Dean and university administration. The Chair is appointed for a four-year term, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment. Key Responsibilities Administrative Leadership Oversee department operations for the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Welding Engineering (WE) programs. Develop and maintain effective administrative practices in consultation with faculty. Ensure efficient and timely operations. Faculty Collaboration Schedule regular faculty meetings and maintain appropriate records. Consult with faculty on policy matters and uphold shared governance principles. Involve faculty in recruitment and review of new members. Involve faculty in the development of a strategic plan. Personnel Management Develop and refine procedures for faculty appointments, promotions, tenure, and salary adjustments. Conduct yearly faculty and staff evaluations. Recommend appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the Dean. Academic and Research Excellence Encourage excellence in r…

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