The Leadership Opportunity:
Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science invites nominations and applications for an internationally distinguished scholar and research leader in energy systems, energy storage, battery technologies, critical minerals, grid resilience, and/or sustainable energy technologies.
The University seeks an exceptional individual whose stature, vision, and record of accomplishment are commensurate with membership in the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) or an equivalent level of internationally recognized distinction. The successful candidate will be a transformational researcher and institution builder with the vision and leadership to advance Binghamton University’s position as a nationally recognized center for next-generation energy technologies.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to establish and lead a major interdisciplinary research enterprise spanning advanced energy storage and batteries, materials and manufacturing, critical minerals, intelligent energy systems, grid integration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy infrastructure.
The successful candidate will be appointed as a tenured Full Professor, with consideration for an endowed professorship or distinguished chair, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and accomplishments. The appointment may reside in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, the School of Computing, Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, or another appropriate academic unit within Watson College, with the potential for joint or multi-unit appointments.
Beyond an exceptional individual research program, the candidate will be expected to help shape the next phase of Binghamton University’s leadership in energy and energy-storage research. This position is intended for an individual with the vision and stature to build an enduring institutional capability, catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration, attract major external investment, and significantly elevate Binghamton University’s national and international profile in energy technologies.
Leadership Expectations
The successful candidate will serve as a transformational research leader within Watson College and across Binghamton University. Key expectations include:
- Establishing and leading a nationally distinctive, interdisciplinary research program in energy systems, energy storage, and related technologies
- Building large-scale collaborations spanning engineering, computing, materials science, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines
- Pursuing major federal research opportunities, including initiatives of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies, as well as major New York State and industry-sponsored programs
- Positioning Binghamton University to compete for and contribute to emerging national initiatives in AI for Science, energy innovation, critical minerals, energy security, advanced manufacturing, and resilient infrastructure
- Expanding strategic partnerships with energy, battery, automotive, semiconductor, utilities, data-center, materials, and advanced-manufacturing industries
- Providing intellectual leadership connecting fundamental science, engineering innovation, manufacturing, deployment, commercialization, and workforce development
- Elevating Binghamton University’s national and international visibility in energy storage, batteries, intelligent energy systems, and sustainable energy technologies
- Contributing to national scientific and technology leadership through federal advisory committees, research review panels, professional societies, standards organizations, scientific advisory boards, and other appropriate venues
- Contributing to New York State’s emerging leadership in batteries, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing
- Mentoring and recruiting outstanding faculty and researchers and developing the next generation of leaders in energy and energy-storage technologies
About Binghamton University:
Over eight decades, Binghamton University has undergone a radical transformation from a small liberal arts college into a top-tier national research powerhouse. Ranked No. 34 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report—a distinction held for over 20 years—Binghamton is a crown jewel of the SUNY system. Recently recognized as a "Top 10 Public Ivy" and a "Top 25 Public College" by Forbes, the University combines the academic rigor of an elite private institution with the scale and mission of a public research engine.
Home to 18,600 students and nearly 1,000 trailblazing faculty, Binghamton is defined by a culture of "firsts" and a commitment to high-impact, transdisciplinary research. Our state-of-the-art facilities serve as the staging ground for global breakthroughs in energy, health, and technology, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to diversity, international perspectives, and deep community integration. At Binghamton, we don’t just observe the future; we engineer it.
Ideal Experience:
Candidates will be evaluated broadly based on scientific and technological impact, research leadership, innovation, national and international stature, and capacity to build enduring research programs and partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess:
- A doctoral degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
- A record of achievement demonstrating significant national or international stature and impact; membership in the National Academy of Engineering is ideal.
- An exceptional and sustained record of externally funded research, scholarly accomplishment, and technological innovation in energy, energy storage, or closely related fields.
- A distinguished record of high-impact publications, patents, technology translation, commercialization, and/or other evidence of transformative research impact.
- Demonstrated success in leading large-scale, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research programs, including substantial federal, state, and industry-sponsored initiatives.
- A strong record of developing productive university–industry partnerships and translating research discoveries into technologies, products, and societal impact.
- A distinguished record of mentoring doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty and of building high-performing interdisciplinary research teams.
- National and international recognition through leadership in professional societies, federal advisory activities, scientific review panels, national laboratories, industry advisory boards, or comparable organizations.
The Search Process:
The successful candidate will receive a tenured Full Professor appointment in an appropriate academic unit within Watson College. The University will work with the candidate to develop an appropriate start-up and research support package, including laboratory and infrastructure resources, faculty and staff support, and opportunities to build a substantial interdisciplinary research enterprise. The precise academic home, joint appointments, leadership responsibilities, title, and research resources will be tailored to the candidate’s expertise, vision, and potential to advance Binghamton University’s strategic priorities.
Binghamton University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming academic community. We encourage applications and nominations from outstanding candidates who will contribute to the excellence and diversity of our institution. Applications and nominations may be submitted via the confidential search mailbox: BinghamtonPresProf@SpencerStuart.com.