Head & Professor

The Grainger College of Engineering

Head & Professor

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a distinguished scholar and strategic leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering .

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) is a nationally recognized leader in materials innovation, ranked among the top five undergraduate programs in the country. With 33 dedicated faculty members, 375 undergraduate students, and 231 graduate students, MatSE fosters a vibrant academic community that bridges chemistry, physics, and engineering to address global challenges. The department is home to 17 materials-related research centers and provides access to elite research infrastructure, empowering faculty and students to push boundaries in areas such as clean energy, advanced electronics, quantum materials, and sustainable technologies.

MatSE faculty and students are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries with inquiry in six research focus areas: Electronics, Quantum and Communications , Data-Driven Materials Discovery , Health and Medicine , Infrastructure and Extreme Conditions , Energy and the Environment , and Advanced Manufacturing . Collaborations with industry leaders and federal agencies ensure that research translates into real-world impact, while professional development opportunities prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, and beyond. As part of the Grainger College of Engineering, MatSE combines world-class facilities with a culture of curiosity and innovation, making it an ideal environment for visionary scholars to engineer the next breakthrough. More information about the department’s recent achievements and strategic direction is available in the 2024-2025 Annual Report .

Appointment Information

The Department Head is a tenured full Professor in the MatSE Department and reports to the Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering. Applicants must have an earned Ph.D., a scholarly record commensurate with the level of a full professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a renowned reputation in research. This position requires a dynamic leader who can balance administrative duties with visionary leadership to drive the department forward.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading faculty in research, teaching, and public service.
• Engaging with industry, government labs, private foundations, and alumni.
• Overseeing administrative, budgetary, and promotion decisions.

The successful candidate will:

• Articulate and implement a compelling vision for the future of MatSE at Illinois.
• Develop and implement plans for scholarly excellence.
• Innovate and maintain cutting-edge curricula and research collaborations.
• Foster a supportive environment for faculty and staff development.
• Build connections with industry and research institutes.
• Engage actively with students and alumni to celebrate and leverage their contributions.
• Lead fundraising efforts and establish strategic partnerships.
• Promote and engage the department community of students, faculty and staff.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Full consideration will be given to applications received by February 28, 2026 . Applications may be reviewed as they are received. Those submitted after the stated deadline may still be considered until the position is filled. A start date is expected for August 2026; however, timing is negotiable.

The salary range for the nine-month professor position is projected to be $200,000 to $300,000 annually with applicable university benefits. The Head position is a twelve-month appointment that carries an administrative stipend for full-time effort. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at . The application package should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the Resume/CV section: 1) a curriculum vitae, 2) a cover letter articulating a vision for the department, 3) and names and contact information for three references (no letters). For further information regarding application procedures, please contact Lori Willoughby at [email protected] .

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .