DescriptionThe University of Chicago invites applications from scholars who will make a major contribution to climate systems engineering and serve as director of the University's Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi), an initiative within the University's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth.
CSEi is part of a broader effort at the University to build a substantial research cluster focused on the science, technology, and public policy of climate systems engineering, aimed at advancing our understanding of the potential benefits and risks of these technologies, and educating students who will help guide society's response to a warming planet. CSEi's research draws on systems engineering and climate science to study technologies that could reduce the risks posed by accumulated greenhouse gases, including sunlight reflection methods, open-system carbon removal such as enhanced rock weathering, and local interventions to reduce glacial melting.
QualificationsCSEi is headed by a faculty member of the University who is appointed by the Provost based on the recommendation of the Faculty Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth and a successful tenure review by the home department. The CSEi Director serves as a member of the Institute's Leadership Committee. The Director must hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field and be eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor in an appropriate department or school at the University of Chicago.
It is the Director's responsibility to oversee all CSEi activities, to foster and promote the work of researchers affiliated with CSEi, to be active in fundraising, and to manage CSEi's operating budget. In partnership with the Faculty Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, the Director will develop a distinctive vision for CSEi that reflects current faculty scholarship, build on UChicago's tradition as a premier intellectual destination for visiting faculty and promising early career scholars, and increase fundraising opportunities to grow the initiative.
We seek an outstanding leader with a strong record of research achievement and the capacity for visionary academic leadership in an interdisciplinary initiative. The Director will have the opportunity to support future faculty hiring related to the science, technology, and policy of solar geoengineering, open-system carbon removal, and interventions to limit the loss of glacial ice.
Applications are welcome from all relevant academic disciplines at the rank of Professor. Candidates need not have done substantial academic work specifically on climate systems engineering if their work has been in closely allied fields.
Research on climate systems engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, and we seek a Director with a track record of collaboration beyond their home discipline. The University of Chicago's culture is highly collaborative.
The Director will serve an initial five-year term, renewable following a standard review process.
ResponsibilitiesThe Director will understand CSEi's history and core mission and work to raise CSEi's profile on and off campus while maintaining its reputation as a leader in the field. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to:
- Develop CSEi priorities in coordination with CSEi affiliates and ensure those priorities are widely and clearly articulated to faculty, staff, and internal and external partners;
- Communicate the relevance of CSEi in today's global environment, elevating the CSEi and the University's profile as a global leader in the field;
- Lead the recruitment of multiple tenure track and research faculty, continuing to build on CSEi's strong foundation as an interdisciplinary hub that advances society's understanding of climate systems engineering science, technology, policy, law, and economics;
- Work with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth leadership and University Advancement to set philanthropic goals to further CSEi's strategic initiatives. The Director will lead all fundraising efforts including securing grant funding, stewarding current individual and institutional donors, and building a pipeline of emerging donors for the future;
- Lead the initiative while working closely with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth's administration. The Director will oversee the allocation of financial resources and budgeting of CSEi and advocate for funding when needed;
- Oversee a core team of staff and research professionals; ensure that staff roles and responsibilities are clearly articulated; and communicate frequently with different teams within CSEi to develop and optimize CSEi endeavors;
- Cultivate strong relationships with the Executive Committee members; collaborate with leadership and colleagues in other divisions and departments at the University to elevate CSEi as a University resource; build consensus from diverse constituencies on complex projects and issues;
- Advance the research projects that are crucial to the mission of CSEi; facilitate projects within University administration processes, where appropriate;
- Foster partnerships and collaborations with external research centers and organizations, in related subjects and internationally;
- Expand CSEi's expertise in policy advocacy and communications in ways that align with faculty research and expand the impact of University of Chicago scholarship
Application Instructions Applicants are asked to submit a CV and cover letter addressed to the CSEi Director Search Advisory Committee. Please note all job seekers who wish to be considered for this position must submit their materials through the University's Interfolio website: https://apply.interfolio.com/197291
