Posting DetailsPosting Summary
Job Title Physics and Engineering Physics Department Chair
Division Divison of Academic Affairs
Department School of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences
Work Status Full Time
Position Category Faculty
Faculty Rank Full Professor
FLSA Exempt
Pay Range Exempt
Salary Range $160,000 - $185,000 / year
Fund Source State Support
Job Summary The MSU School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics. SCMNS offers four PhD, seven master's, and nine bachelor's degree programs. The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics offers BS in Engineering Physics, BS in Physics, and jointly offers the multidisciplinary MS in Integrated Science, and PhD in Integrated Materials Science programs. The Chair will provide visionary academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a dynamic department dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, student success, and community engagement.
The successful candidate will lead initiatives to strengthen undergraduate and graduate education, expand externally funded research programs, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance the University's mission as a premier public urban research institution. This is a 12-month administrative faculty appointment with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The position carries appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure, commensurate with the candidate's academic qualifications and professional experience. Reporting directly to the SCMNS Dean, the Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics and is responsible for providing leadership in academic planning, faculty development, research advancement, student recruitment and retention, budget oversight, and strategic growth.
Job Duties The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to prepare students for advanced study, research careers, and leadership in STEM fields. The Department has earned national recognition for innovation and student-centered excellence in undergraduate physics education.
The Department Chair will:
- Provide strategic leadership for the Department's academic, research, and outreach initiatives.
- Promote excellence in teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service among faculty and staff.
- Lead departmental planning, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
- Drive curriculum and research innovations by promoting initiatives in areas such as astronomy, material sciences, photonics, quantum sciences, energy systems, nuclear physics, and engineering physics, etc.
- Support the growth of externally funded research and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Manage departmental budgets, facilities, equipment, and other resources effectively.
- Advance student recruitment, retention, graduation, and post-graduate success initiatives.
- Foster partnerships with industry, government agencies, national laboratories, and community organizations.
- Encourage inclusive excellence and cultivate a collaborative and collegial departmental culture.
- Represent the Department within the University and to external stakeholders.
- Teach courses and maintain an active scholarly/research agenda consistent with the expectations of a tenured faculty appointment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics - Experience with curriculum innovation and program assessment.
- Record of mentoring faculty and students from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience building partnerships with federal agencies, industry, or research organizations.
- Demonstrated success advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary academic programs.
Required Minimum Qualifications - Earned a doctorate in Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
- Evidence of successful leadership, administrative, or program management experience in higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to secure or support externally funded research initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Commitment to student success and academic excellence.
Other Preferences for Consideration Applicants should submit:
- A letter of interest addressing leadership philosophy and qualifications
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of research and scholarly accomplishments
- Statement of teaching and student mentoring philosophy
- Contact information for at least three professional references
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number FA00435
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Open Date 08/11/2026
Best Consideration Date 11/11/2026
Job Close DateSpecial Instructions to Applicant Applicants should submit:
- A letter of interest addressing leadership philosophy and qualifications
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of research and scholarly accomplishments
- Statement of teaching and student mentoring philosophy
- Contact information for at least three professional references
