DescriptionThe College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for the position of Professor & Associate Dean for Research (ADR). Reporting directly to the Dean, the ADR will provide broad leadership and direction for all research/technology-related activities including grants/contracts proposals, funding opportunities, partnership agreements, and statistical data analysis related to the research enterprise. The ADR will work closely with the Dean, other associate deans, department heads, and other members in the college leadership team to support faculty development and mentoring, development efforts, and other strategic priorities in support of the college's mission.
Reporting to the ADR is an eight-person pre-award team to support faculty proposal submission and a two-person research development team to facilitate funding successes for early career members, plus assist the development of collaborative research teams for larger funding opportunities. This Engineering Research Office is well respected for its quality service to the TCE faculty and College's research success (https://tickle.utk.edu/research/support/). Expectations for this position broadly include maintaining excellent pre-award and faculty support for proposal development, as well as strategic conception, planning, and execution of initiatives designed to elevate the College's research enterprise over time.
Qualifications- Terminal degree in engineering or a closely related field and qualifications appropriate for holding the rank of full professor in one of the College's academic units (https://tickle.utk.edu/academics/departments/)
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong commitment to engineering research and education
- Demonstrated experience in scholarly work and excellence in research
Application Instructions Applications should be submitted electronically at apply.interfolio.com/192908. Applications should include:
- a cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience (up to 2 pages)
- a research leadership statement describing your vision for the role and your leadership style (up to 3 pages)
- a curriculum vitae
- the names and contact information of three professional references
Questions should be sent to Dr. Dacheng Ren, Search Committee Chair, at [redacted]. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and continue until the position has been filled. The college anticipates filling the position for appointment effective January 1, 2027, or shortly thereafter.
