Professor and Department Head, Electrical and Computer Engineering -
INTRODUCTION
The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks an outstanding leader and mentor to serve as Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE, https://www.ee.uconn.edu/). The position has an expected start date of August 23, 2025.
UConn ECE provides outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional training and is ranked #35 nationally (research.com) with world-class faculty supported by extramural funding from the NSF, NASA, DoD, NIH, state agencies, and industry. The department administers Ph.D. and M.S. programs in electrical engineering, ABET-accredited B.S. programs in electrical engineering and computer engineering, a new B.S. program in robotics engineering, a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program in electrical engineering, and graduate certificates in power engineering, grid modernization, and oceanographic science. UConn ECE comprises 24 tenured/tenure-track faculty members, with active research programs in sensor fusion, digital imaging, communications, robotics, power systems, power electronics, semiconductor fabrication, quantum sensing, nanomaterials, computer architecture, hardware security, and VLSI design. With the potential to further grow faculty size over the next several years, ECE fosters collaborations with various research centers within the University and is home to significant undergraduate and graduate programs.
The successful candidate will be a senior faculty with strong management skills, a driving collaborative spirit, a shared vision for excellence, and a demonstrated capability to lead a highly impactful, extramurally funded research program. This person will have an outstanding record of professional accomplishments commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Professor, with the opportunity for tenure at hire. Outstanding candidates may also be considered for an endowed professorship. Essential characteristics also include a demonstrated ability to engage in a collegial departmental environment and to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a land-grant institution, UConn is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture while advancing science, education, and healthcare. The successful candidate will work on both campuses to steward the considerable assets of the Department while fostering strength and unity among the diverse individuals, talents, and interests affiliated with UConn’s growing and energetic community. We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in electrical and computer engineering. The successful candidate will receive a competitive start-up package and laboratory space.
Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 33,000 students, including over 25,000 undergraduates and nearly 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
- A distinguished scholarly reputation and record of research accomplishments and funding sufficient to earn the appointment of Professor with academic tenure at UConn.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
- A clear and innovative academic vision for the Department that encompasses its undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational enterprises.
- A clear vision of emerging research opportunities and an established track record of leadership in major efforts in research and/or education.
- An ability to work with faculty, students, staff, administration, and alumni.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing a budget in a setting with many competing objectives.
- Experience working in or collaborating with industry and government agencies.
- Commitment to supporting the growth and development of students, faculty, and staff.
- Dedication to an environment that supports the diversity of population and perspectives.
- Experience in identifying and recruiting talented faculty and support staff.
- Commitment to an open-door policy of communication and interaction with all constituents.
- Skill in serving as an advocate for the department with institutional and external organizations.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, 10-month, tenured position at the rank of Full Professor with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2025. Applicants must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Full Professor, with tenure. The successful candidate’s primary academic appointment will be in the College of Engineering at the Storrs campus with the possibility of work at UConn's regional campuses across the state. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/en-us/job/498686/professor-and-department-head-electrical-and-computer-engineering to upload the following additional application materials:
- A cover letter,
- Full curriculum vitae including a complete record of federal funding and journal publications
- Leadership statement a two-page statement highlighting the candidate's leadership philosophy and past leadership experiences
- A three to five-page research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
- A two to three-page teaching statement (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.)
- Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
- Names, addresses, email, and telephone numbers of five references.
Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately. For more information regarding the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department please visit the department website at https://www.ee.uconn.edu/
Please direct inquiries to Brandy Ciraldo (brandy.ciraldo@uconn.edu)
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.