Head of Department - Chemical and Biological Engineering

Overview

The College of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah is seeking an experienced academic leader to serve as the Head of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering beginning Fall 2027. This leadership role requires a visionary individual committed to effective management and sustainable growth of the department, aligning with institutional strategic goals.

Role Expectations

The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline, with a strong record of research excellence demonstrated through substantial publications. Equally important is a proven history of outstanding teaching and active participation in academic and professional service.

The appointee will be tasked with formulating and advancing comprehensive short- and long-term strategies for the department's development while enhancing its teaching quality and research outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the department with clear, actionable plans to elevate academic and research standards in line with the university’s mission.
• Promote high-quality teaching methods, including technology integration and problem-based learning, and oversee continuous curriculum improvement.
• Advance pioneering research activities and encourage interdisciplinary projects, optimizing research funds and facilities.
• Mentor and empower faculty and staff to maintain excellence in education, research, and service.
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and staff.
• Benchmark departmental activities for ongoing enhancement of teaching, research, and service.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet recruitment targets for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Enhance student experiences through extracurricular engagements such as workshops, competitions, professional certifications, and field trips.
• Secure internships, employment opportunities, and research engagement for students.
• Engage with alumni, industry partners, government agencies, advisory boards, other academic units, community stakeholders, and professional organizations to enhance departmental visibility and collaboration.
• Publicize achievements and expertise of department members to boost reputation through various media.
• Collect and utilize departmental data strategically to inform decision-making.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment and retention practices.
• Create and maintain a respectful, transparent, and collegial workplace environment.
• Effectively communicate with faculty, staff, students, and parents regarding academic and personal matters.
• Represent departmental interests within college and university governance structures.
• Manage department operations including scheduling, advising, budgeting, compliance, and risk management.
• Coordinate faculty leaves, sabbaticals, and course assignments fairly and effectively.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback for faculty and staff.
• Oversee faculty promotion and contract renewal processes.
• Lead accreditation efforts and site visits.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dean.

Additional Information

Interested candidates must submit a completed application along with required documents including a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae. The CV should comprise a teaching statement, research statement, departmental vision and goals, list of courses taught or eligible to teach, and contact details for at least three professional references willing to provide recommendation letters. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Department comprises around 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, 12 full-time faculty members, and 3 lab instructors, with a rich diversity of approximately 90 nationalities represented on campus. Program offerings include Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering, alongside a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering.

AUS is situated in Sharjah, UAE, near Dubai, and is a non-profit, coeducational university with over 5,700 students. It holds accreditations from the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the USA. The chemical engineering program is ABET-accredited.