Head of Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Fall 2027

Role overview

The College of Engineering at American University of Sharjah is looking for a forward-thinking academic leader to head the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering beginning in Fall 2027. The role centers on keeping the department running effectively, strengthening it for long-term growth, and guiding its academic and research direction.

What the role requires

The ideal candidate will hold earned degrees, including a doctorate, in chemical engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong track record in research leadership, supported by a distinguished publication history, is essential. The university also expects evidence of strong teaching performance and significant contributions in academic as well as professionally relevant service.

The selected leader will be expected to shape and communicate a clear departmental vision and a long-range plan for teaching and research, especially in areas that matter to the department and the wider region. Preference will be given to candidates whose goals align closely with the strategic direction of the college and the university.

Leadership and working style

The department is seeking someone who is energetic, collaborative, imaginative, and willing to drive innovation. Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are important, as the position involves working with a broad range of stakeholders inside and outside the university. The leadership approach should reflect positivity, openness, honesty, accountability, fairness, responsiveness, and collegiality.

Key responsibilities

• Guide the department with clear priorities and practical short-term and long-term plans that support the strategic direction of the college and university.
• Support excellent teaching and student growth by using technology-enabled instruction, problem-based learning, and other modern practices, while continuously improving the curriculum.
• Encourage high-impact, innovative, multidisciplinary research and make effective use of research funding and facilities.
• Mentor, motivate, and support faculty and staff so they can excel in teaching, research, and service.
• Create and sustain a culture that values innovation and entrepreneurship among faculty and students.
• Strengthen teaching, research, and service through continuous benchmarking and improvement.
• Help meet student recruitment targets by designing and carrying out plans for undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
• Enhance the student experience through services, exchange opportunities, guest speakers, field visits, student organizations, certifications, competitions, conferences, and similar activities.
• Help students secure full-time jobs and internships and expand undergraduate research opportunities.
• Take part in outreach and relationship-building with alumni, industry, government, advisory boards, university units, and the wider community, while staying active in professional organizations locally and internationally.
• Publicize the achievements and expertise of faculty, staff, and students through the web, newsletters, and media to strengthen the department’s academic reputation.
• Gather and use departmental data consistently to support informed planning and decision-making.
• Advance diversity and equity in faculty recruitment and student admissions.
• Maintain a workplace that is positive, safe, transparent, fair, respectful, open, and collegial across the department, college, and university.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and parents on both professional and personal matters where appropriate.
• Represent faculty and staff concerns to the college and university administration.
• Oversee daily and academic operations, including scheduling, advising, registration, laboratory preparation, budgeting, compliance, and risk management.
• Review and coordinate course releases, sabbaticals, and leave-without-pay requests.
• Carry out fair annual evaluations of faculty and staff and provide meaningful feedback.
• Assess faculty and staff for promotion and rolling-contract decisions.
• Lead accreditation-related visits and processes.
• Handle additional duties assigned by the Dean.

Application requirements

Applicants must complete the application form and submit PDF copies of the required documents. These include a cover letter and a detailed CV. The CV should contain a teaching statement, a research statement, the applicant’s vision and goals for the department, a list of courses that can be taught or have been taught, and the names of at least three referees who can provide recommendation letters.

The position remains open until it is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Department and university context

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering has about 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, 12 full-time faculty members, and 3 lab instructors. Its students and faculty come from highly diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and the campus hosts roughly 90 nationalities.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering, and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering.

AUS is based in Sharjah, approximately 15 km from Dubai. It is an independent, not-for-profit, coeducational university serving more than 5,700 students.

The university is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. It has also held accreditation in the United States through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since June 2004. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering offered by the College of Engineering is accredited by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission.