Director, Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis&Professor

The Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) is a designated research center at the University of Kansas (KU). In 2003 the center was established as an National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center (ERC) with the mission to develop cleaner, safer, energy-efficient technologies that protect the planet and human health. The CEBC Director establishes the Center's research mission, vision and goals in alignment with the university's strategic plan. The Director also holds a joint appointment as a tenured faculty member within the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering situated within the School of Engineering. The Director reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

The CEBC community comprises 67 employees, including faculty and staff researchers, postdocs, graduate students, and professional staff. CEBC facilities are located in the Life Science Research Laboratories building, 3 miles west of KU's main campus.

The CEBC is internationally recognized for research, education and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Researchers are driven to explore and seek sustainable chemical discoveries at the frontiers of science and engineering - striving to protect the planet, promote prosperity, and enrich scholarship. Programming, projects and events actively engage audiences throughout the community, including but not limited to K-12, informal science educators, and others.

The Director has the unique opportunity to focus, develop and grow their own research program synergistically with CEBC personnel and collaboratively with a large and diverse network of researchers across KU. The Center is part of a rich network of collaborating research centers and academic units at the university, including the departments of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and Physics & Astronomy, among others.

Founded in 1865, KU is an R1-rated research university with more than 40 graduate programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report. As a premier international research university, the University of Kansas is committed to a culture of care focused on inclusion and belonging that nurtures the growth and development of all. KU holds steadfast in the belief that a variety of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace.

Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis - 50%

1. Provides administrative and scientific leadership as well as oversight of the financial affairs, personnel and business practices of the CEBC.
2. Develops and articulates the research mission and goals of the CEBC by fostering positive working relationships and cooperative research activity among university faculty and researchers affiliated with the Center.
3. Provides effective intellectual leadership necessary to address challenging problems related to the development and deployment of catalysis and engineering solutions for the sustainable production and transformation of chemicals, energy and fuels.
4. Develops and maintains an active program of research and scholarship in an area related to the Center's research mission, is active in professional organization affairs, and is engaged in related regional, national and international activities.
5. Leads a community of multidisciplinary scholars and educators assembled within the CEBC to foster and nurture a vibrant learning, discovery, innovation and engagement program.
6. Fosters the intellectual growth and development of graduate students in the Center through cooperation with degree granting departments and enhanced support of graduate students.
7. Stimulates the expansion and diversification of externally sponsored research funding by fostering and catalyzing the development of ideas, people, and infrastructure necessary for success at the state and national levels.
8. Actively engages in strengthening the financial resources available to the CEBC through all available sources.
9. Effectively interacts with the energy and chemicals industries and with government agencies, as appropriate, to promote and develop support for the Center's mission.
10. Seeks excellence in the recruitment and retention of the highest quality academic and research support staff and students from diverse backgrounds.
11. Fosters and supports a culture of belonging where members feel included and safe, and where there is a high standard for ethical research practices, and compliance among all faculty, staff, affiliates, sponsored visitors, etc.
12. Prepares reports, mission statements, key performance indicators, and other documents as requested by the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Full Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering (50%)

The Director also serves as a tenured, full professor in the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering with a 50% appointment. As a tenured faculty member, the director will be expected to meet satisfactory standards of performance in all three areas of responsibility: teaching/advising (40%), research (40%) and service (20%).

Teaching (40%): Develops and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. Participates in undergraduate and graduate student advising as appropriate, mentors graduate students in research and serves as an advisor or participates on graduate student committees.

Research (40%): Establishes and directs a strong, independent research program in areas of expertise that overlap, support or expand the current research in the Center or department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings. Collaborates with internal and external faculty and professional staff across campuses.

Service (20%): Performs department, school, university and professional service normally expected of university faculty, commensurate with rank. Participates in local, national and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Fosters a positive relationship with industry and the community. Performs other duties as assigned by the departmental chair.

A joint or courtesy faculty appointment in collaborating units may be available based upon the individual's education, research and credentials. Such appointments strengthen opportunities for collaboration and learning between organizations and research initiatives, providing a highly engaging and competitive learning environment for students, postdoctoral researchers and other research staff and scientists.

Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (1) description of work experience and educational experiences in CV and (2) record of accomplishments and productivity demonstrated in CV:

1. Earned doctorate degree in related field, such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
2. Eligible for a faculty appointment as a full professor with tenure.
3. National recognition and scientific leadership in sustainability issues in the chemical processing industry as demonstrated by a record of refereed publications, professional service, and success in securing external sponsored project funding.
4. Demonstrated administrative experience including financial management and development of personnel and programs.
5. Evidence of teaching experience and effectiveness
6. Excellent communication skills as demonstrated through application materials and interview.
7. Experience working with multidisciplinary constituencies.
8. Record of broad leadership skills and a commitment to investing in a continuous learning and growth environment, bringing different constituencies together.

For complete information and to apply online go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/30651BR. A complete online application will include the following PDF files: 1) letter of interest detailing your vision for the Center; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests and plans on the order of two pages; 4) a statement of teaching interests on the order of two pages; and 5) contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.

Review of application materials begins July 1, 2025 and continues as long as needed to identify a qualified pool of candidates.

commensurate with experience

Tuesday July 1, 2025

Sunday January 4, 2026