Description
Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Memphis
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Memphis seeks a visionary leader with a strong record of scholarship and the ability to guide research and educational excellence across the breadth of the discipline. Candidates with research that can be applied to energy-related focus areas will be considered for the TVA Endowed Research and Innovation in Energy Chair professorship.
The successful candidate will lead the Department and be active in research, teaching, and outreach. The Chair provides academic and administrative leadership to the Department, including maintaining a dynamic research and teaching environment. The Chair also serves on the College’s executive committee and will support college leadership in developing and supporting college initiatives and execution of the strategic plan (see Strategic Plan). Duties and responsibilities include administration of the department; stewardship of department resources; curriculum modernization; program promotion; faculty and staff recruitment, development, and evaluation; staff supervision; student recruitment; budgeting and planning; outreach and fundraising; and development of external relationships.
Research Areas of Interest
Candidates with expertise in any area of electrical or computer engineering are encouraged to apply. Priority research areas include, but are not limited to:
Next-Generation Communications & Networking – 6G and beyond, quantum communications, satellite and space systems.
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data-Driven Systems – edge AI, embedded intelligence, and neuromorphic computing.
Cybersecurity & Privacy – hardware and IoT security, post-quantum cryptography, and protection of critical infrastructure.
Sustainable Energy and Power Systems – smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy-efficient electronics.
Robotics, Automation, and Intelligent Systems – autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, and human–machine interaction.
Biomedical Engineering & Health Technologies – wearable devices, brain–computer interfaces, and digital health systems.
Advanced Materials, Nanoelectronics, and Emerging Devices – 2D materials, spintronics, MEMS/NEMS, and flexible electronics.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build upon existing departmental strengths, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and lead the development of innovative research directions that address pressing global challenges.
For the TVA Endowed Research and Innovation in Energy Chair professorship, research areas of interest include but are not limited to the following: energy generation and storage, power quality, carbon reduction, microelectronics, secure and resilient micro and smart grid, cybersecurity, impact of electric vehicle evolution on power grids, convergence of artificial intelligence/machine learning and energy in the smart-connected society, energy workforce development.
Information about the City, University, College and Department:
The University of Memphis is the largest public university and engineering program in western Tennessee with a faculty of approximately 1000 professors and serves about 16,000 undergraduate and 4,800 graduate students. The Electrical & Computer Engineering Department has 12 tenured/tenure-track faculty positions and an enrollment of about 307 students pursuing B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. It is home to two accredited undergraduate programs of 256 students and a graduate MS program of 32 students. In addition, currently 19 graduate students are pursuing a PhD in Engineering degree (housed in the Herff College of Engineering) with concentrations in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Additional information about the College and the Department can be found at http://memphis.edu/herff.
The city of Memphis is an attractive location in Tennessee, and is world-renowned for its music, food, and hospitality. Memphis is home to three Fortune 500 companies (FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone) and has a strong presence in health, biomedical devices, transportation, automotive, and entertainment industries. The Greater Memphis Chamber is actively involved in initiatives to develop an AI-ready workforce in the region, positioning Memphis as a hub for AI innovation, or the "Digital Delta". The Herff College of Engineering has many partnerships with local industry for both research and education applications.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
An earned Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or a closely related field
A distinguished, nationally recognized academic career and record of professional accomplishment in areas directly related or translatable to applications in current and/or emerging energy related fields
A strong record of sustained scholarship and publication in leading peer-reviewed journals
Rank of full professor or eligible/qualified at the time of employment
Preferred Qualifications
Proven leadership at a departmental, institute, center, or college level
Experience in managing academic operations, mentoring faculty, and leading strategic planning and budgeting.
Ability to build collaborative, interdisciplinary initiatives across departments and institutions.
Knowledge of higher education issues at the national and global level
Successful development of innovative programs and outreach initiatives
Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse department faculty to advance academic programs
Demonstrated ability to perform outreach and fund-raising activities in the corporate community
Familiarity with ABET Accreditation
Demonstrated ability to develop and lead active, externally funded research programs
How to apply:
Applicants must submit their application through https://workforum.memphis.edu. Applications must include a letter detailing personal qualifications and experience related to the position, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a statement on (1) leadership, (2) teaching philosophy, and (3) research, and contact information (name, mailing address, phone number, and email address) of three to five professional references. Screening of applications will begin on September 30, 2025, and may continue until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Amy de Jongh Curry at [email protected] if you have any questions.
The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class.
