Description

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. 

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