Position Function:
The Director of the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is under the administrative supervision of the Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering and is responsible for the overall administration of the school. The Director is also the holder of the Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr. Chair.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering is one of the eight academic departments in the Bagley College of Engineering, housing both the Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering degree programs. The school offers ABET-accredited bachelor's programs in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (both on-campus and via distance learning), as well as a doctoral degree in Engineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (both on-campus and via distance learning). The two programs combined have a three-year average enrollment of 288 undergraduate students, and 23 graduate students. The school is currently supported by 12 faculty and 3 staff members. Faculty members have developed a strong research program in the areas of molecular modeling, optoelectronics, soft materials, polymers, catalysis, fuel cells, crystallization, and carbon capture and subsurface sequestration. Faculty in the school are active in many university research centers, including the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), the Advanced Composite Institute (ACI), and the High-Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC2), among others.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Tenured
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Manage the administration of faculty, professional, and support staff activities.
2. Recruit students, faculty, professional, and support staff.
3. Plan and review curricula, academic programs, and course contents for both Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering programs.
4. Maintain and actively participate in ongoing departmental research programs and seek new areas of research funding.
5. Mentor faculty for successful promotion and tenure outcomes; oversee performance evaluation and faculty and staff development.
6. Prepare and oversee the departmental budget and research funding.
7. Collaborate with the Dean of the Bagley College of Engineering and the University administration to set goals and objectives for the school and college, and to support the University’s missions of teaching, research, and service.
8. Lead the development and implementation of the department’s strategic vision, aligning academic, research, and outreach initiatives with long-term goals and emerging opportunities in chemical and petroleum engineering.
9. Liaison with faculty, administrators, students, community, and industry.
10. Establish and maintain relationships with alumni, private, and non-profit organizations to secure gifts and endowments for scholarships and school enhancements.
11. Provide leadership and support for the students at all levels.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must hold an earned BS degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering and PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or closely related field, possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and must qualify for the rank of professor with tenure.
Preferred Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must have earned national recognition by a distinguished record of accomplishments in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering education and research and show a record of scholarly publications in archival literature and funded research. Significant research and teaching experience are expected as a demonstration of commitment to students, faculty, and research elements critical to the success of the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering. In addition, relevant administrative experience at a peer or peer plus institution is desirable as well as industry experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. No or very limited exposure to physical risk. Limited physical effort required. Vision requirements; Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
The position is available beginning July 1, 2026, but the starting date is negotiable. The screening of candidates will begin on December 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu, and must include a Cover Letter, a Leadership Experience/Philosophy & Vision Statement, an extended Curriculum Vitae including statements on research accomplishments and teaching philosophy, and contact information for at least three professional references. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Dr. Adrian Sescu, Search Committee Chair (sescu@ae.msstate.edu).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
