Open Rank Faculty Positions in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

http://chbe.rice.edu/

Climate, energy, and sustainable materials & manufacturing

Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty Openings in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Position Description

The Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, located in Houston, TX, seeks applications for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions in all areas of research, with a focus on energy transition, sustainable and bio manufacturing of materials and chemicals, nature-based solutions, and circularity. The department invites outstanding candidates at all ranks with expertise and interests in the nexus of energy, materials, and use of hydrocarbons. Particular areas of interest are sun-driven and electrically-driven chemical processes (catalytic or not), carbon materials, conversion of hydrocarbons (biological or fossil) into materials, production and utilization of solid carbon for soil amendment, construction additives, electrification of chemical processes, materials for energy (batteries, wind, solar, etc.), solar PV, sustainable use of plastics. Candidates may seek to investigate these areas experimentally, theoretically, and/or computationally at any scale, from the sub-atomic and nano scales to the system-level (including whole-Earth approaches).

Rice offers an outstanding environment for research at the interface of materials science, nanotechnology, and energy, including strong ties to the local industry via a number of institutes; these include the philanthropically-backed Welch Institute for Advanced Materials and the corporate-backed Carbon Hub, ( https://carbonhub.rice.edu/ ), where we are building a zero emissions future, where clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials are co-produced efficiently and sustainably from hydrocarbons to provide solutions that house, move, clothe, and feed people.

Successful candidates will have a strong commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds. Candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate classes and establish a strong research program supported by extramural funding. Established candidates are expected to have a distinguished record of research, teaching, and scholarship.

We are committed to improving representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

About the Department and School

The Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering continues a 100-year history of excellence in research and education in fundamental chemical and biological processes and their industrial applications and societal implications. The faculty includes 25 Tenure-Track (12 jointly appointed), four research, and four teaching faculty members. We develop fundamental knowledge and applications in molecular nanotechnology, clean energy and energy transitions, soft material, biomolecular engineering, and chemical, synthetic, and systems biology, with additional drivers towards innovation and technology translation. Our department is routinely ranked in the top-10 US programs in impact metrics, such as publications and citations per faculty.

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.

About Rice University

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic Museum District and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of over 4,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (Niche, US News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 of US universities.

All candidates must have a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field by November 1 of the year employment commences. Candidates who apply before completing a postdoctoral appointment will be allowed to defer the starting date so as to complete their postdoctoral training. The successful candidates will build successful research programs and will teach, advise, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds. Senior candidates are expected to have established a track record of excellence in scholarship, mentoring, and education commensurate with their appointment.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Rice University Standard of Civility Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.