Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU) Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering (CPE) invites applications for a full-time tenure/tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to support KU’s recently funded National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC): Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH). The ERC EARTH is a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary team focused on creating a sustainable and circular refrigerant economy (https://erc-earth.ku.edu/ ). Successful candidates will have research experience that align with the Department’s and ERC EARTH’s strengths, which includes: expertise in gas separations using novel entrainers, porous materials, or membranes that could be applied to hydrofluorocarbons/refrigerant gas mixtures; new dehumidification technologies or materials; advanced power cycles; chemical security markers for gases and compressed liquids; sensors for refrigerant gas detection; and hydrofluorocarbon conversion technology.

Candidates accepted for the position will have a strong record of scholarly publications and the ability in securing external research funding sufficient to support and maintain an independent research program. Successful candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to educate and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Successful candidates will be 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. New hires will 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.

KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU's strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery. 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 Description40% Teaching: Responsibilities include (a) teaching undergraduate/graduate core and elective courses in chemical engineering, (b) developing courses and participating in curriculum development, (c) mentoring of 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

PhD in chemical engineering or closely related field by start date of appointment.
1. High potential for conducting independent research with evidence of publications and other scholarly products.
2. High potential for teaching excellence in a university setting at the undergraduate or graduate level.
3. Alignment with existing CPE Department’s research strengths and ERC-EARTH’s focus.
4. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with others and participate in teamwork.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA 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 (no more than 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 and ERC-EARTH’s focus. (no more than 3 pages)
5. The names and contact information of at least three references

Review of application materials will begin October 1, 2025, and will remain open until the position is filled.Contact Information to ApplicantsAaron Scurto, Professor.
ascurto@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeCommensurate with qualifications and experienceApplication Review BeginsWednesday October 1, 2025Anticipated Start DateTuesday August 18, 2026Apply to Job