The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities invites applications and nominations for an experienced and visionary leader with a deep commitment to both research and academic excellence to serve as the next Head. 
 

The department currently has 46 full-time faculty members with approximately 279 fully declared undergraduate students, 391 intended lower division undergraduate students, and 299 graduate students. The department maintains a vigorous and diverse research portfolio with an annual research expenditure of $17.7M. Among public universities, the graduate program in Electrical Engineering is ranked #17 in the nation; the Computer Engineering program is ranked #10 by US News (2023).

The ECE department is committed to fostering a culturally and academically diverse community of research, teaching, and operational excellence by attracting and retaining individuals with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints, and identities. Candidates who will actively contribute to this commitment and community – both in identity and professional vision – are particularly encouraged to apply.
 

The ECE department seeks a collaborative and visionary leader who will further enhance the department’s position as a global leader in research and education.  The successful candidate should possess strong leadership and management abilities, an interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty, and a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives.
 

The Head reports directly to the Dean of CSE, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term as Department Head is 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.

Responsibilities for this position include: 

Departmental Leadership

• In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with its needs - current and future, departmental personnel talents, and the vision and mission of the college and university.
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for ECE faculty and staff and support a culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department;
• Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages;
• Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes;
• Work with the local and international industrial base to emphasize the impact of the department on the local, state, national, and international communities;
• Solicit support for the department’s tri-fold missions of teaching, research, and service from alumni and external partners.

Faculty Oversight, Recruitment, and Development

• Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members;
• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department;
• In conjunction with college and university offices, facilitate and oversee processes related to recruitment, promotion, and tenure.

College and University Leadership

• Serve on the Dean’s Administrative Council with other department heads and collegiate leadership;
• Report directly to the Dean and work with Associate Deans and other department heads to achieve collegiate goals;
• Participate in collegiate and university-level budget processes;
• Attend and participate in college, university, and external activities identified by the Dean as critical to the mission of the institution.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Qualifications to be a tenured full professor in the department
• Prior demonstrated leadership experience
• Track record of effective mentoring of peers, staff, and students
• Outstanding record of teaching and educational leadership
• Outstanding research record with strong evidence of impactful publications and funding
• Capacity to lead the department with a solid vision for the future of the field, arising from a thorough understanding of the sub-disciplines in the department (see About the Department in this posting)
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior administrative experience working with interdisciplinary teams

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. Please visit the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering website to learn more. 

Department faculty are engaged in interdisciplinary research with a number of centers including MNC, CMRR, DSI/CSE DSI, ATP-Bio, CharFac, BMDC, MnDrive, IEM, IMA, MRSEC, MnRI, and the Charles Babbage Institute. 

College of Science and Engineering

Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together University programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the United States. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.  Other research centers and facilities in CSE are listed here. 

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/157647. To be considered for the position, please click the "Apply" button and follow the instructions.

Applications should include:

• CV/Resume
• Letter of interest with a vision statement that explains how you would lead the department and that addresses the themes in this profile.

This position will remain open until filled but for full consideration, please apply by the priority deadline of December 10, 2024.

Questions regarding this search may be directed to ecedepth@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

About the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019) and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).