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Department Head-Virginia Tech Mining and Minerals Engineering

Job Details

The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering (MME) at Virginia Tech seeks applications and nominations from talented and motivated individuals for the position of Department Head. The Head oversees MME’s academic programs, which currently serve approximately 125 undergraduate (sophomore to senior) and graduate (PhD, MS, MEng) students. Virginia Tech’s MME is one of the largest and most prominent mining-related programs in North America and currently enjoys a reputation as a global leader in the field, with a stated mission to serve society through education and innovation that supports safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible production of energy and mineral resources.

To further build its programs and infrastructure, MME is seeking a leader who will work internally to support faculty, staff and students, while also engaging a wide range of external stakeholders including alumni, industry and private partners, and research sponsors. The successful candidate should have a track record of effective leadership and demonstrated abilities that support the development and execution of strategic initiatives. This individual should also possess the interpersonal, organization, and decision-making skills needed for executive management. Moreover, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential. While predominantly an administrative and leadership position, the MME Department Head is also expected to contribute to the teaching, research, and service activities of the department.

The Head is responsible for management of fiscal and human resources, including 9 tenured and tenure-track faculty and numerous research, teaching and administrative faculty and staff. The Head also acts as MME’s advocate and liaison to college and university administration, as well as to external stakeholders. The successful candidate should have a track record of effective leadership and demonstrated abilities that support the development and execution of strategic initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Doctoral degree in engineering or applied science that is substantially related to the field of mining and minerals engineering. Candidates from other engineering or applied science disciplines (e.g., civil, environmental, materials, mechanical, geoscience, etc.) with specific experience related to mining and minerals engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must have academic credentials commensurate with appointment at rank of Professor with tenure in the Mining and Minerals Engineering department. An endowed professorship may be available for well-qualified individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated effectiveness in administrative leadership and financial management in an academic setting are preferred, along with a track-record of excellent teaching or advising students at the undergraduate and graduate level. A professional engineering (PE) license and strong ties to partners in the mining, minerals or related industry sectors are also desirable.

Additional Information and Application

Candidates who wish to be considered for this position should apply online at www.jobs.vt.edu to job number 522450 and must submit a cover letter expressing interest in this critical leadership position and vision for MME; a full curriculum vitae; a statement on contributions to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and contact information for at least three references who can discuss the applicant’s leadership, communication, and decision-making style. Questions for the search committee should be directed to Emily Sarver (esarver@vt.edu) or Annie Lawrence (annie.lawrence@vt.edu). Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled.

Company

Virginia Tech’s Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering is one of the largest and most prominent mining-related programs in North America. It currently enjoys a reputation as a global leader in the field, with a stated mission to serve society through education and innovation that supports the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible production of energy and mineral resources. The department houses world-class facilities in its newly renovated Holden Hall, with over 100,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge research, teaching and advising space.

The Department is home to two renowned and highly productive research centers (the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, and the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies), and the faculty include globally recognized experts in mineral processing, geoenergy, and mine health and safety. The diverse research portfolio includes federal, state and privately funded projects, with annual expenditures averaging about $6,000,000 in the past eight years and a notable focus on capacity building and graduate student education.

The department’s contemporary curriculum is designed to shape future leaders possessing exceptional technical capabilities as well the soft skills needed for productive and impactful careers. The department is a three-time recipient of the University Exemplary Department award, most recently in 2021, for its focus on community and student well-being.

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