Job Description
The Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of August 10, 2027. We seek an outstanding candidate whose research advances artificial intelligence in chemical engineering, broadly defined. The successful candidate will establish an innovative, externally funded research program; contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education; and collaborate across engineering, computing, and sciences.
The search is intentionally broad within AI for chemical engineering research. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
• High-throughput experimentation, including automated data acquisition, analysis, and
decision-making
• AI and machine learning for energy, sustainability, climate, and chemical manufacturing
• AI-guided discovery, design, synthesis and characterization of chemicals and hard- or
soft-materials
• AI-enabled research at the interfaces of chemical engineering, chemistry, materials
science, biology, medicine, and human health
• Laboratory robotics, closed-loop experimentation, and autonomous or self-driving
laboratories
Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary department
whose research addresses major societal challenges spanning artificial intelligence, energy and sustainability, advanced materials, catalysis, separations, manufacturing, biotechnology,
medicine, and human health. We welcome applicants whose research complements and
expands existing departmental strengths and creates new connections across the College of
Engineering and the broader university. We are particularly excited by candidates who are
redefining how chemical engineering research is conducted by bringing together emerging
capabilities in artificial intelligence and automation with fundamental scientific inquiry and
experimentation.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field is required; the degree must be
completed by the time of appointment
Preferred Qualifications
-Postdoctoral research experience or comparable research experience in industry or a
national laboratory.
-Demonstrated expertise in developing or applying artificial intelligence and machine
learning to advance chemical engineering research.
-Experience collaborating across disciplines, particularly in connecting computational
methods with experimental research.
-Experience in undergraduate or graduate teaching, student mentoring, or developing
educational activities relevant to chemical engineering
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$115,000 - $130,000
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
12/01/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
