Asst/Assoc/Full Professor in Chemical Engineering

processing. The department currently has 23 faculty, over 300 students, and is home to several research centers including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC): Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) and the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC).

The selected candidate for the position will have a strong record of scholarly publications and the ability to secure external research funding sufficient to support and maintain an independent research program. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to educate and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty in the department are expected to conduct and publish original research, collaborate with others in the department, school and university, advise graduate and undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, and perform service at the university, national, and international levels. The new hire will be encouraged to collaborate with faculty in other areas of Engineering and other disciplines to advance research and education to create an impactful and sustained externally funded research program. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

The Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution, and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $611 million of research in fiscal year 2025). KU offers more than 8,000 courses, 460 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. As of Fall 2025, student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards campus was 27,212 representing all 50 states and 115 countries.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Job Description

40% Teaching: Responsibilities include (a) teaching undergraduate/graduate core and elective courses in chemical engineering, (b) developing courses and participating in curriculum development, (c) mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, and (d) advising graduate students, including chairing doctoral dissertation committees.

40% Research: Responsibilities include (a) conducting and directing cutting-edge research, (b) training and graduating Master’s and PhD students, serving as thesis/dissertation committee chair, (c) securing external funding to sustain an independent research program, (d) publishing in peer-reviewed journals, (e) presenting at professional conferences, (f) serving as a member of graduate thesis and dissertation committees, and (f) as appropriate, developing intellectual property. The position will enable participation in the education and training of students and postdoctoral researchers in the Department.

20% Service: Responsibilities include performing service for the Department, School, University, academic and research profession, and interacting effectively with students, faculty, and local, national, and international communities.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications (All Ranks)

1. Ph.D. in chemical engineering or a closely related field by the start date of appointment.
2. Research experience and/or expertise that aligns with one or more of the Department's focus areas in energy and sustainability.
3. Demonstrated or high potential for teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.
4. Commitment to educating, mentoring, and advising undergraduate and graduate students.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others in a team-based academic environment.

Additional Required Qualifications by Rank

• Assistant Professor: Demonstrated high potential for conducting an independent research program, as evidenced by a strong publication record and identification of external funding opportunities.
• Associate Professor: Established record of scholarly publications and successful external research funding, and demonstrated excellence in teaching and graduate student mentorship commensurate with the associate professor rank.
• Full Professor: Sustained, nationally or internationally recognized record of research and scholarship, a strong history of external funding, demonstrated excellence in teaching and graduate student mentorship, and demonstrated leadership in the field commensurate with the full professor rank.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application will include the following:

1. A letter of application
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Detailed statement of philosophy related to teaching and mentoring (not to exceed 3 pages)
4. Detailed statement of research accomplishments and plans for building an independent research program including opportunities for external funding and alignment with the Department’s research strengths (not to exceed 3 pages for Assistant Professor applications, or 5 pages for Associate or Full Professor applications).
5. The names and contact information of at least three references

Review of application materials will begin November 16, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received.

Contact Information to Applicants

Prof. Kevin Leonard, Professor, kcleonard@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins: Monday November 16, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Wednesday August 18, 2027

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