Working at SUNY SEAS, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Jobs at State University of New York School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The State University of New York School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SUNY SEAS), located within the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, stands as a premier institution for engineering education and research. As part of the SUNY system, it offers a dynamic environment for professionals seeking jobs at SUNY SEAS. Whether you are pursuing tenure-track faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships, research assistant roles, or administrative opportunities, this school provides pathways to impactful careers in fields like biomedical engineering, computer science, and sustainable energy. With its strong emphasis on innovation, SUNY SEAS attracts top talent looking to contribute to cutting-edge projects while advancing their professional trajectories.

Jobs at SUNY SEAS are diverse, spanning teaching, research, and support roles. Faculty members engage in both classroom instruction and groundbreaking research, often securing federal grants from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF). Research staff collaborate on multidisciplinary teams tackling real-world problems, such as developing advanced materials for renewable energy or AI-driven healthcare solutions. The institution's location in Buffalo, a hub for engineering innovation near the Canadian border, enhances opportunities for cross-border collaborations and industry partnerships.

History of SUNY SEAS

Established in 1946 as part of the University at Buffalo, SUNY SEAS has evolved from a modest engineering program into a top-ranked school. In the post-World War II era, it focused on training engineers for industrial growth, expanding significantly in the 1980s with new facilities and programs. Today, it boasts over 6,000 students and 200 faculty, with notable achievements like the development of the world's first superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) in the 1960s. This rich history underscores its commitment to excellence, making jobs at SUNY SEAS appealing for those interested in a legacy of innovation.

The school's growth mirrors Buffalo's transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a center for high-tech research, supported by investments like the $100 million Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Research opened in 2020. Historical milestones, such as pioneering work in computational fluid dynamics, continue to shape current job openings in computational engineering.

Academic Programs and Departments

SUNY SEAS offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs across nine departments: Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Education, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. These programs emphasize hands-on learning through labs and co-ops, preparing graduates—and potential job candidates—for industry and academia.

For job seekers, understanding these departments is key. For instance, the Computer Science and Engineering department leads in AI research, frequently posting research jobs involving machine learning algorithms. Similarly, Biomedical Engineering focuses on tissue engineering, offering roles in medical device development.

Job Opportunities at SUNY SEAS

Career paths at SUNY SEAS include tenure-track assistant professors, associate professors, full professors, lecturers, postdocs, research scientists, lab managers, and administrative positions like department chairs or program coordinators. Tenure-track roles involve a balance of teaching (2-3 courses per semester), research (grant-funded projects), and service. Non-tenure positions, such as adjunct professor jobs, suit those preferring flexible teaching schedules.

• Faculty positions in emerging areas like quantum computing and robotics.
• Postdoctoral roles funded by NIH or DOE grants, lasting 2-5 years.
• Research assistant jobs for master's holders supporting principal investigators.
• Staff roles in facilities management or student advising.

Explore university job types for detailed breakdowns. Current openings often appear on the UB careers site, with dozens posted annually.

Definitions

To help newcomers, here are key terms related to jobs at SUNY SEAS:

• Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to permanent employment after 5-7 years of review based on research, teaching, and service.
• Postdoc (Postdoctoral researcher): A temporary research role post-PhD, focusing on independent projects to build credentials for faculty jobs.
• Principal Investigator (PI): The lead researcher on a grant, overseeing projects and teams.
• Grant writing: Crafting proposals to secure funding from sources like NSF or industry partners.

Required Academic Qualifications

Most academic jobs at SUNY SEAS demand advanced degrees. Faculty positions require a PhD in the relevant field (e.g., PhD in Electrical Engineering for EE roles). Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or research associates, while administrative roles may need a bachelor's plus experience. For clinical research jobs in biomedical engineering, MD/PhD combinations are preferred. International candidates must provide degree equivalency evaluations.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

SUNY SEAS prioritizes expertise in high-impact areas:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for autonomous systems.
• Renewable energy and sustainability, including battery technology.
• Biomedical devices and nanotechnology.
• Civil engineering for smart infrastructure resilient to climate change.

Candidates with interdisciplinary experience, such as combining engineering with data science, stand out. Ongoing projects include NSF-funded AI for healthcare and DOE-supported fusion energy research.

Preferred Experience

Employers favor candidates with:

• Peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors).
• Grant funding history (e.g., $500K+ from NSF).
• Teaching experience, including course development.
• Industry internships or collaborations, like with Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Prior postdoc experience boosts competitiveness for faculty roles. See postdoc tips.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include:

• Technical: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, SolidWorks, ANSYS.
• Soft: Collaboration, communication, mentorship.
• Research: Data analysis, experimental design, ethical conduct.
• Professional: Grant writing, project management, diversity training.

For research assistant jobs, lab safety and instrumentation skills are crucial. Learn to excel via research assistant advice, adaptable to US contexts.

Application Process and Tips

Applications go through UB Jobs portal: submit CV, cover letter, research/teaching statements, references. Deadlines vary; faculty searches run September-February.

Actionable tips:

• Customize materials to SEAS priorities, referencing specific faculty projects.
• Use our free resume template and cover letter template.
• Network at conferences like ASEE.
• Prepare for interviews with mock teaching demos.
• Follow up post-submission.

Reference winning academic CV tips.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

SUNY SEAS champions diversity via the Women in Engineering Initiative, SEAS Diversity Leadership Council, and NSF ADVANCE grants promoting women faculty. The Inclusive Graduate Education program supports underrepresented PhD students. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding national averages. Mentoring programs pair junior faculty with seniors, fostering equity.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

UB's North Campus features modern labs, a fitness center, and child care. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years, flexible schedules, and wellness programs. Buffalo's affordable living (median home $250K), four seasons, and cultural amenities like Albright-Knox Art Gallery enhance life. Proximity to Toronto offers urban escapes. Employee assistance includes mental health support and parental leave up to 12 weeks.

Summary

Jobs at SUNY SEAS offer rewarding paths in a top engineering school. From faculty to research roles, leverage qualifications and skills for success. Explore more on higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with talent.