Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University
The Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. The search is focused on candidates working in catalysis, broadly defined to span areas such as energy conversion and storage (e.g., electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and catalytic materials for fuel cells, batteries, and hydrogen production), molecular engineering of catalytic materials (e.g., nanomaterials, single-atom, and heterogeneous catalysts), and reaction and systems engineering approaches to catalytic process design, as well as biomolecular and translational approaches such as enzyme engineering and biocatalysis, sustainable biomanufacturing and green chemistry, and environmental and bioremediation catalysis. These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive; we welcome outstanding and rising researchers working in any area of catalysis, provided they bring a strong foundation in core chemical engineering principles.
Candidates must show outstanding research potential and promise of excellence in teaching and graduate student mentorship. Applicants must hold a doctorate in chemical engineering or a related field; salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. For additional information concerning topic areas and potential collaborators, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Duffield Engineering Impact Areas and research topics available at https://www.duffield.cornell.edu/impact-areas/.
Faculty in the Smith School engage strongly in interdisciplinary research through an array of centers and other initiatives, including the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, the Energy Systems Institute, the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture, the Cornell Center for Materials Research, the Cornell Institute of Biotechnology, the Center for Advanced Computing, and the Life Sciences Initiative, along with several NIH- and NSF-funded training programs. Faculty also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across campus through Cornell’s Graduate Field system, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities such as the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, the Cornell Nanoscale Facility, and the Cornell Biotechnology Resource Center.
The Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Duffield College of Engineering at Cornell embrace diversity and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Cornell understands the needs of dual career couples, which it attempts to meet through a Dual Career program and membership in the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, which assists dual career searches. Visit https://www.hercjobs.org/ to see positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area. Cornell and Ithaca are family-friendly communities: Cornell has a comprehensive set of policies, services, and benefits to help you, your partner, and your children feel welcome here, support your well-being, and help with childcare, elder care, and disabilities. For more details, see https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits.
How to apply and what to submit:
The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2027, or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit:
- A cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals.
- A teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals.
- Copies of three relevant publications.
- Names and contact information for three references.
Materials should be submitted online at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32532.
Applications received by December 1, 2026 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Inquiries may be directed to: Christopher Alabi, Search Committee Chair, caa238@cornell.edu
RTE and TT ONLY: Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.
Pay Ranges:
$83,200 - $226,200
Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.
Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Publication list
- Three copies of relevant publications
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
116 Olin Hall
Cornell University
R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Ithaca, NY 14853
