Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

The Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor (preferred), Associate Professor or Professor (considered in exceptional cases) with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026. The department is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the teaching and research mission of the department and university in the broad area of separations with respect to water purification and/or desalination.

This position is one of several water-related thematic team hires that will join K-State across multiple departments. Each of these positions will hold a scholarly connection to the Kansas Water Institute and will join an interdisciplinary cohort of water-related faculty with the opportunity to collaborate on research, teaching, and engagement. The Kansas Water Institute develops and supports interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach on high-priority water resources problems and objectives identified through the state water plan. The institute also facilitates effective communication among water resource professionals and works to share and apply research results.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate strong interest, relevant expertise, and stewardship in one or more of the following areas:

• Membrane materials, design and modeling (e.g. adsorption, absorption, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrochemical).
• Inland desalination for irrigation and brine management strategies.
• Energy-efficient separations technologies, including novel membrane and solar driven processes.
• Energy-water coupling systems to reduce treatment footprints.
• Water treatment innovations for rural, agricultural, municipal, and industrial sectors.

Expectations:

• A strong passion for collaborative, interdisciplinary research is essential.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build a high-quality, externally funded research program and to engage effectively with colleagues across engineering, natural sciences, and the Kansas Water Institute.

The Tim Taylor Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University has a rich tradition of teaching and advising excellence, interdisciplinary research, and highly recognized outreach programs. Active research and teaching programs exist in the areas of applied AI and data analytics, process systems engineering, catalysis, advanced oxidation techniques, sustainable energy, molecular modeling, semiconductors, biomaterials, bio-interfaces, and protein nanomaterials. K-State is a Land Grant University and is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Intensive Institution and has been ranked among the top state and private institutions of higher education in Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars since 1986. Additional information is available at www.che.ksu.edu.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering or equivalent fields
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop and sustain an active, externally funded research program, and effectively manage research projects and student/staff researchers
• Qualifications to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the chemical engineering curriculum
• A record of achievement that merits appointment as a tenured Faculty member for those applying at the Associate Professor or Professor level

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Versatility in teaching capabilities
• Ability to establish collaborations beyond the department and college
• Willingness to serve the department, institution, and profession through active participation in committees and professional societies

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interests.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statements of teaching philosophy and research interests (1-2 pages each).
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications close on: December 15, 2025

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.