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.
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.
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.
