About the Job
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota seeks applicants for the position of Department Head.
The successful candidate should possess a distinguished record of scholarship and research, 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 of the department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term is nominally 5 years with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or 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 current and future needs, strengths, and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University;
Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for CEGE faculty and staff and support a culture that fosters a community of inclusion and excellence for all;
Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department;
Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages;
Raise funds from alumni and external partners in support of the department’s missions of teaching, research, and service;
Understand the financial needs and stability of the department and work with the departmental leadership on related matters.
Faculty Oversight, Recruitment, and Development
Support, provide oversight, 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;
Partner with College and University offices, facilitate and oversee recruitment, promotion, and tenure processes;
Interface frequently with departmental faculty, providing mentoring, guidance, and effort redirection (when appropriate).
Educational Direction and Outreach
Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development, and assess educational outcomes;
Oversee the undergraduate program to ensure academic excellence, an enriching student experience, and strong career outcomes;
Provide stewardship to the graduate program, engage with faculty on requirements, advising, and growth.
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 other college leadership 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.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in engineering or a scientific discipline of relevance to the broad research areas of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering
An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering at the University of Minnesota
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with department faculty, a vision for the department’s future that builds upon and accentuates the department’s strengths
Strong leadership, management, and communication abilities
Ability to maintain and nurture the department’s culture of collaboration and collegiality
Ability to recognize and promote a diversity of strengths and expressions of excellence among the faculty
A willingness and ability to advocate for the needs of the department
Interest in encouraging and supporting multi-disciplinary collaborations
Deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education
Ability to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives
About the Department
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota is a mid-sized department dedicated to conducting cutting-edge theoretical, computational, and experimental research in all areas related to Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, with noted excellence in the areas of water resources and environmental engineering, geomechanics, transportation systems, structural engineering, and advanced materials. The department features state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including multiple excellent core facilities (imaging, genomics, research computing, etc.), the Lacabanne Rock Mechanics Laboratory, the Waves and Imaging Laboratory, the Pavement Mechanics Laboratory, and the Galambos Structural Engineering Laboratory. CEGE also manages the Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Lab, and several faculty are affiliated with the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (https://cse.umn.edu/safl), a unique and globally recognized facility for pioneering research in experimental and computational fluid mechanics, hydrology, geophysics, and (micro)biology.
CEGE is one of twelve departments within the College of Science and Engineering, which offers outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research due to the unique combination of mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering in one college. The College has a strong Data Science Initiative and provides state-of-the-art computational facilities through the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, https://msi.umn.edu
About the College of Science and Engineering
Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University's programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.
About the U of M: The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
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.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Interfolio. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.
Applications should include:
CV/ Resume
A letter of interest that explains how you would lead the department and that addresses the themes in this profile
Vision statement
List of at least 3 professional references (name, contact info)
Pay Range: $175,000 to $230,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience
Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.
Application review will begin on September 13, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.
Questions regarding the search can be directed to Char Psihos (psiho002@umn.edu), CEGE Departmental Administrator.
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
