Department Chair and Professor, Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin seeks an experienced and visionary academic leader with a distinguished record of research for the position of Chair of the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME).  The department has 67 faculty members and encompasses a broad range of disciplines in the mechanical sciences and engineering, including dynamic systems and controls, manufacturing and design, thermal and fluid sciences, materials science and engineering, biomechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, acoustics, and operations research. During the 2017-18 academic year, research expenditures in ME totaled $23 million.

In 2018, a $20M gift from UT Austin alumnus Mike Walker strengthened the department notably, positioning it as the third named department in the Cockrell School and giving it $1M in unrestricted endowment funds annually to support the department and advance transformative initiatives. The department’s website is http://www.me.utexas.edu.

The Chair is expected to advance the department’s mission by attracting and mentoring the highest quality faculty, expanding and broadening the department’s interdisciplinary research activities, and initiating innovative educational programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Significant resources are available to support mechanical engineering; the Chair should possess a vision for continuing its growth as a preeminent teaching and research program.

Mechanical engineering is one of seven departments within the Cockrell School, which is among the largest schools/colleges on the UT Austin campus. The mission of the School is fourfold:  to educate leaders who think big and think creatively; to pursue innovative solutions through research, industry partnerships, and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship; to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration; and to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of our community.  The Cockrell School has approximately 280 faculty members and enrolls approximately 6,000 students in 11 undergraduate majors and 2,100 graduate students in 12 degree programs.  With strong backing from University and industry leaders, Cockrell is poised for growth and further excellence.  The Chair of the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering will be a member of leadership team for the School and will have an important role in implementing a vision for excellence.  The School’s website is http://www.engr.utexas.edu.

Requirements for this position include a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or in a closely related discipline; academic achievements commensurate with appointment as a full professor with tenure; a distinguished record of research; and international recognition in his or her field.  The successful applicant is also expected to have demonstrated leadership abilities, administrative skills, and experience in fostering collaboration and building consensus amongst colleagues.

The Cockrell School of Engineering has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of this department Chair. Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a C.V. and a concise summary administrative experience to Jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net.  Nominations, recommendations, expressions of interest, and inquiries should go to the same address. UT policy requires that a background check be conducted on the selected candidate. All possible discretion will be exercised to maintain the privacy of applicants through the search process.

The University of Texas at Austin is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  The University is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research, and service.