Assistant Professor, Engineering

The newly formed Department of Engineering in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a closely related field to start in August 2027. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching that promotes inclusive and equity-minded learning environments for an increasingly diverse student population. Engineering faculty members foster student learning through student-centered pedagogy, inclusive practices, entrepreneurially minded projects, hands-on laboratory experiences, and design-based learning.

A Ph.D. in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemical engineering, or a closely related field is required. Candidates with teaching and research interests that bridge chemical and biological engineering are particularly encouraged to apply, with preference given to candidates whose expertise includes biochemical engineering or related areas at the intersection of the two disciplines.

Teaching responsibilities will include foundational and upper-division courses and laboratories in chemical engineering and/or bioengineering, as appropriate to the candidate's expertise. There will also be opportunities to develop special topics courses in the candidate's area of specialization. The successful candidate would also contribute to interdisciplinary engineering courses and project-based experiences within the department. The total teaching load will be approximately nine credits per semester, typically corresponding to 9–12 contact hours per semester.

As a member of a newly formed department, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of engineering at Butler. The candidate will contribute to the continued development of the chemical engineering and bioengineering programs, including curriculum and laboratory development, student mentoring, and the establishment of departmental culture and traditions. We seek a collaborative colleague who is excited by the opportunity to help build an innovative, student-centered engineering department and contribute to its growth.

To apply, applicants should submit the following:

·  a cover letter discussing qualifications for and interest in the position.  

·   a CV 

·   a statement of teaching interests that highlights strategies for inclusive and evidence-based pedagogies  

·   a statement of research interests with plans for a program of research involving undergraduate students. 

·   transcripts of graduate work or other evidence of terminal degree(s) (unofficial is acceptable for candidate review) 

·   a list of 3 professional references, including name, title, and contact information

The cover letter and CV can be uploaded individually. All other materials should be submitted as a single PDF. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation. Finalists will be required to submit official transcripts and to undergo a background check.   

Review of applications will begin September 28, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct questions to search committee chair, Dr. Jeffrey Carvell, jcarvell@butler.edu. 

Job Duties

• Teach introductory and upper-division courses and laboratories in chemical engineering, bioengineering, and/or biochemical engineering, as appropriate to the candidate's expertise. Opportunities may also exist to develop Special Topics courses in the candidate's area of specialization. The total teaching load will be approximately nine credit hours per semester, typically corresponding to 9–12 contact hours.
• Establish and maintain a laboratory-based research program in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemical engineering, or a related interdisciplinary area. Mentor undergraduate researchers and provide meaningful opportunities for students to participate in scholarly work. Disseminate research through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other forms of scholarly communication appropriate to the discipline, and pursue external funding to support research activities.
• Contribute to the development and growth of Butler's new Department of Engineering and its chemical engineering and/or bioengineering programs. Participate in curriculum and laboratory development, program assessment, and other activities associated with building and sustaining high-quality undergraduate engineering programs. Help establish a collaborative, innovative, and student-centered departmental culture.
• Provide academic and career advising and mentoring to undergraduate students, supporting their academic progress, professional development, and preparation for careers and graduate study.
• Engage in service and academic citizenship within the Department of Engineering, Butler University, the engineering profession, and the broader STEM community.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring, including the ability to use student-centered, hands-on, and project-based approaches to engineering education.
• A commitment to creating inclusive and equity-minded learning environments that support students with a variety of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and educational pathways.
• Evidence of the ability to develop a productive research program appropriate for an undergraduate-focused engineering environment and to meaningfully engage undergraduate students in research.
• Expertise and a research record in one or more areas of chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemical engineering, or related fields. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, biotechnology and bioprocessing, pharmaceutical processes, separations, process design and control, environmental sustainability, advanced materials, energy conversion and storage, and cell and tissue engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching and/or research expertise in biochemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, or another area that bridges chemical engineering and bioengineering.
• Interest in contributing across chemical engineering and bioengineering curricula and in developing interdisciplinary educational and research experiences.
• Interest in helping build a new engineering department, including curriculum development, laboratory development, program assessment, and the establishment of departmental initiatives and traditions.