Overview
Vanderbilt University: School of Engineering: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Location: Nashville, TN
Open Date: Oct 01, 2025
Description
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position from candidates with expertise in artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), foundation models, multiscale modeling, and optimization as applied to challenges in energy and advanced chemical processing. We particularly encourage applicants whose computational research addresses critical materials for energy, data-driven approaches for manufacturing, electrochemical engineering, and the integration of AI/ML with chemical engineering to accelerate the design, discovery, and deployment of next-generation materials and technologies.
This position is part of the School of Engineering’s commitment to establishing an interdisciplinary Energy Cluster aimed at addressing grand societal and scientific challenges. Our goal is to strengthen collaboration across disciplines within the School of Engineering and to train the next generation of engineering leaders to uncover new insights and solutions in areas such as improving health for all humans, ensuring a sustainable planet, enhancing national security, and innovating beyond Earth.
Our department includes 14 primary faculty members (11 tenured/tenure-track), serves over 130 undergraduate students and more than 50 graduate students, and maintains a vibrant research environment with annual expenditures in excess of $11M. Vanderbilt is positioned for growth in computation and cross-disciplinary collaboration with new initiatives across campuses and centers.
Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop a vibrant, externally funded, nationally recognized research program, and a strong commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. A Ph.D. in chemical engineering or closely related engineering or scientific discipline is required. Applicants should have research and teaching goals aligned with chemical and biomolecular engineering, a record of impactful scholarly publications, and experiences with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer simulation are preferred.
Responsibilities and Focus
Develop and sustain a high-impact research program; contribute to teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels; collaborate across departments and centers to advance energy, materials, and AI-enabled chemical engineering initiatives; contribute to the strategic goals of the School of Engineering and the Energy Cluster.
Application Instructions
Application materials are to be submitted to the Interfolio link: https://apply.interfolio.com/174347 and must include:
* a cover letter,
* a complete curriculum vitae,
* a 6 to 10 page statement of research interests detailing goals and potential collaborative possibilities,
* a 2 to 3 page statement of teaching philosophy highlighting synergies within the ChBE department and interests in developing new courses,
* the names and contact information of at least three professional references.
Review of applications will begin upon receipt, with applications received by November 15, 2025 undergoing priority review. All applications received by December 1, 2025 will receive full consideration. Questions may be addressed to Professor Paul Laibinis, Chair of ChBE, by email to paul.e.laibinis@vanderbilt.edu.
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