Job Description

The University of Delaware (UD) seeks exceptional candidates who are dynamic and visionary leaders for the position of Director of the Center for Composite Materials (CCM). Founded in 1974 within the College of Engineering, CCM has developed core competencies in many composites science and engineering areas, particularly composites manufacturing. Their current annual research portfolio is nearly $15M, and comes from a variety of federal, state, and industrial sources. CCM has more than 50 affiliated faculty across the UD Campus, and has 29 research professionals, 5 lab technicians, and 5 administrative team members. Over the last 30 years, CCM has been a critical partner in the development of lightweight, structural, and protective composites for the Department of Defense and industry. CCM provides student education at all levels from high school to graduate students. CCM has 52,000 sq-ft of state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, including the Manufacturing Sciences Laboratory and an off-campus Applications and Technology Transfer Laboratory.

The UD College of Engineering itself has seven departments, with about 2500 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students in a wide variety of degree programs. The College has the most active research programs at the University. As a Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant institution, the University of Delaware, founded in 1743, is state assisted but privately governed, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as having very high research activity (R1). The University enrolls approximately 19,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students and plans on increasing new faculty hires over the next five to ten years, along with significant planned growth in graduate programs and enrollment.

We are currently looking for a Director with the ability to maintain the premier, internationally recognized status and reputation of CCM, both within the institution and with our governmental and industrial partners. We are looking for someone with a vision for using composite materials and associated technologies to address significant technical and societal problems and trends. Examples could include sustainability, recycling, circular economy, biomedical prosthetics, as well as the use of composite materials in transportation systems that use alternative energy sources such as batteries and hydrogen. Applicants should have strong industrial ties and an understanding of the associated technical challenges in civil infrastructure, agriculture, health care, aerospace, and electronics.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related field, a distinguished record of scholarship, a commitment to teaching excellence, demonstrated experience and ability in fostering diversity and collegiality, and experience in working cooperatively and effectively with faculty, staff, and administration. The Director will lead the CCM to advance its reputation, further ties across the University, develop and enhance large-scale research proposals, and connect with external communities and stakeholders. Exceptional candidates may be considered for a Named Professorship.

Applicants should submit two PDF files: (1) a complete CV; and (2) a statement of interest, with emphasis on visionary leadership, research, education, and administrative experience, at careers.udel.edu. Questions may be addressed to the search committee chair, Associate Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering David C. Martin ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2022, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All possible discretion will be exercised to maintain the privacy of applicants throughout the search process.

As a recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equality, the University of Delaware is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, supports work-life balance through an array of family-friendly policies, and is dedicated to broadening participation in higher education.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and Title IX institution. UD recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds, and this is a primary goal for the department. We provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html. The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be seen at: www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.