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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn State Behrend invites applicants for a senior position in Polymer Engineering and Science (PES), and to also serve as department chair of the program, starting Fall term of 2025. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of success in teaching and research appropriate for a tenured appointment. Teaching areas will include but not limited to polymer science, biomedical materials, rheology, melt processing and polymer characterization.
Penn State Behrend is preparing to build the "Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness" (CMC), which is financially supported by federal, state, regional, private, and university funds. The successful candidate will join the leadership team to design and build both the infrastructure, the strategic plan, staffing and operations for the "Sustainable Polymer Manufacturing Lab", an important component of the CMC.
Research is integrated into the student learning experience through our Open Lab model where learning and discovery are applied to solve problems defined in partnership with industry and government. Research areas of interest that align with the college’s research focal areas include sustainable polymers, materials for energy storage and battery systems, and polymer applications in women’s health/biomedical initiatives.
The chair will be responsible for the direction of the teaching, research, and service of the newly formed Plastics Engineering and Polymer Science Department which houses two degrees: Polymer Engineering & Science program and Plastics Engineering Technology. The chair is a member of the school leadership team, mentors faculty, is responsible for faculty teaching assignments, leading ABET accreditation efforts, and student advising. Since the degree is relatively new (approved by the University in 2020) the chair will have a strong focus on enrollment growth and will manage the staffing and instructional and research implications of the growth plan.
A terminal degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering/Technology, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field is required. Industrial experience and a strong professional network is considered positive.
Qualified candidates will be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in accordance with AC21. Onsite teaching is an essential function of this job.
Penn State Behrend (http://www.behrend.psu.edu) is a comprehensive four-year and residential college of Penn State, located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The college is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and outreach, and prides itself on the balance it achieves between teaching and research. Located on a beautiful, wooded hilltop campus, Penn State Behrend offers its nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students an inspiring and technologically advanced environment characterized by close student/faculty interaction. The School of Engineering has over 1,800 students in our ABET accredited programs, and is recognized as a top engineering school.
Erie, a metropolitan area of 280,000, is located on Lake Erie's beautiful Presque Isle Bay. The region offers many cultural, sports, and recreational resources, including Pennsylvania’s most popular state park. Erie County is a major industrial, medical, service, and tourism center, and is within a two-hour drive of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. Residents benefit from a rejuvenated Bayfront District while enjoying a modest cost of living and affordable housing. There are five colleges in the area.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please upload a cover letter, complete CV, a teaching statement, a research statement, a diversity statement, and the names of three references at the time of application completion.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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