Description

One of the most prestigious faculty appointments in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the Heilmeier Endowed Chair is intended for an internationally recognized scholar whose research, leadership, and vision will help shape the future direction of electrical and computer engineering at Baylor University.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Baylor University seeks qualified candidates for a tenured, endowed chair position with the rank of Full Professor beginning in August 2027. Successful candidates must have a Ph.D. in ECE, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. The successful candidate will demonstrate a record of sustained scholarly distinction and a compelling vision for advancing research excellence, innovation, and societal impact. The Chair will serve as a catalyst for faculty collaboration, graduate student success, strategic partnerships, and national and international visibility for Baylor University's engineering enterprise. The candidate will also show a record of excellence in teaching both undergraduate and graduate students, have a proven track record of supporting a strong, research program, and have effective communication and organizational skills.

Selected candidates will be expected to perform academic duties associated with degree programs offered by the department and to initiate and carry out research, developing and sustaining a highly visible, externally funded research enterprise that includes leadership of large-scale research initiatives, collaborative programs, and multidisciplinary team.

The endowed chair holder is expected to provide intellectual and strategic leadership within the department, school, and university. Areas of impact may include mentoring junior faculty, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, helping shape future faculty hiring priorities, strengthening graduate education, and expanding Baylor's national and international research reputation.

Baylor's ABET-accredited ECE department currently has 18 tenured/tenure-track faculty including the Mearse Chair in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, and 4 non-tenure-track faculty members. The faculty are internationally recognized in research areas including power and energy systems; wireless and photonics systems, semiconductors, RF, and devices; AI and machine learning; advanced computing, cyber-physical systems and bioengineering. The department is housed within the Rogers Engineering Building and the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC; https://bric.research.baylor.edu/). The department offers BS (including degrees in ECE and Computer Engineering), MS, and PhD degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Additional information regarding the department, including its mission, is available at https://www.ecs.baylor.edu/ece.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate across Baylor's growing research ecosystem, including the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), initiatives in materials and devices, energy systems, artificial intelligences, advanced computing, health-related technologies, and emerging engineering disciplines such as aerospace engineering and biomedical engineering. Candidates whose research can build bridges across multiple academic units are especially encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Distinguishing Expectations of the Heilmeier Endowed Chair

The holder of the Heilmeier Endowed Chair will be expected to:

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Baylor University nationally and internationally.
• Lead transformative research initiatives aligned with instructional priorities.
• Assist in recruiting outstanding faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.
• Advance Baylor's visibility among federal sponsors and industry partners.
• Contribute to the development of future research centers and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications
• Education & Experience: A Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, along with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience post Ph.D. degree.
• Research Leadership & Center Creation: A proven track record of visionary leadership. Strong preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated success in leading major research initiatives, centers, institutes, laboratories, or large-scale collaborative programs involving multiple investigators, institutions, and external stakeholders. Experience securing substantial federal, industrial, or foundation support is highly desired.
• Scholarly Excellence: A distinguished record of high-impact scholarship, including nationally or internationally recognized publications and a strong history of securing significant external research funding.
• Teaching & Mentorship: Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career faculty. A strong record of graduate student placement, research mentorship, and talent development is highly desirable.
• National and International Recognition: Evidence of national or international leadership in the field through major awards, fellow status in professional societies, editorial responsibilities, invited keynote presentations, professional service, or other indicators of scholarly distinction.
• Partnership Development: Demonstrated ability to cultivate productive partnerships with federal agencies, industry, national laboratories, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, or other external stakeholders that enhance research impact and educational opportunities.

Application Instructions

Please provide the following documents through Interfolio:

• Cover letter
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Vision statement
• Statement of research interests
• Statement of teaching interests related to Baylor's programs
• Contact information for at least three professional references
• Academic transcript of highest degree earned (Unofficial is accepted)
• Religious Affiliation Form (found in Interfolio)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by the priority deadline of October 31, 2026, prior to the start of first-round interviews on November 15. Final applications must be received by December 31, 2026, for full consideration.