The Department of Biological Engineering at Utah State University invites applications for multiple open-rank, tenure-track faculty positions in our newly established Chemical Engineering program. We are seeking candidates with strong expertise in chemical engineering, particularly in the areas of upcycling, sustainability, and AI-driven chemical process design. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Green chemistry
• Polymer synthesis
• Material science
• Reaction engineering
• Process automation and robotics
• Chemical process simulation and design
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for chemical processing
• Fuel production
• Waste valorization
• Chemical manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical engineering

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in chemical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong record or clear potential for externally funded research; a record of peer-reviewed publications; teaching excellence and a commitment to mentoring students; and professional leadership and collaboration potential.

Faculty are expected to establish a rigorous, innovative, and well-funded research program, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the department and across the university, and contribute to the development of the chemical engineering curriculum. Teaching responsibilities include both undergraduate and graduate courses in chemical engineering.

This is a nine-month academic-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026.

Formal evaluation of the applications will begin on January 15, 2026, and the search will continue until all positions are filled. Further inquiries should be made to:
Dr. Ron Sims
Search Committee Chair
Email: ron.sims@usu.edu

Successful candidates will:

• Conduct research and other scholarly activities, including the pursuit of a strong externally-funded research program
• Effectively teach core chemical engineering undergraduate courses in the department and upper division/graduate courses
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research activities
• Participate in department, university, and community service

Minimum Qualifications:

1. PhD in chemical engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
2. Evidence of established or emerging research area(s) with potential for extramural support and publication.
3. Record of success or potential for effective teaching and mentoring.
4. Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Ability to collaborate with existing biological/chemical engineering faculty on externally funded projects.
2. Post-doctoral or relevant industrial experience.

Along with the online application, please include:

1. Curriculum Vitae to be uploaded under Resume/CV.
2. Names and contact information of at least three professional references (we will only solicit reference letters from final candidates).
3. Cover letter summarizing motivation, qualifications, experience, and career goals.
4. A concise statement of up to three pages that conveys your vision of how your proposed research program will: 1) address specific topical areas in chemical engineering, 2) complement existing research programs in the department, and 3) integrate with other interdisciplinary research/faculty collaborators at USU.
5. A two-page teaching statement that explains your approach to teaching and briefly describes existing or new Chemical Engineering courses you would like to teach or develop.
6. Two of your most relevant peer-reviewed journal article publications.

Documents #3-6 should be uploaded under Other Documents 1-10

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The Department of Biological Engineering currently enrolls approximately 163 undergraduates, 30 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), and has 18 faculty members dedicated to advancing research and education. Utah State University is located in a spectacular Rocky Mountain valley, just 80 miles north of Salt Lake City, a major metropolitan center. The surrounding area offers unparalleled opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

For additional information on the department, please consult:
www.be.usu.edu

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025