Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in AI/ML and teach future engineering leaders.
- Company: Vanderbilt University, a top-ranked research institution in Nashville.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, research funding, and a vibrant academic community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy challenges and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in chemical engineering or related field; strong research and teaching skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic department with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 ( This hiring focus reflects our dedication to strengthening collaboration across disciplines within the School of Engineering. Our goal is to train the next generation of engineering leaders to uncover new insights and identify solutions to the key challenges as outlined in our strategic plan: improving health for all humans, ensuring a sustainable planet, enhancing national security, and innovating beyond Earth ( The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt ( includes 14 primary faculty members (11 tenured/tenure‑track) serving over 130 undergraduate students and more than 50 graduate students. The department maintains a vibrant research environment with annual research expenditures in excess of $11M and has steadily climbed the USNWR graduate rankings. Our department is consistently ranked as one of the top five chemical engineering departments in the U.S. with fifteen or fewer faculty. Relevant to this search, we anticipate strong growth in the computational area at Vanderbilt as evident by the announcement of a College of Connected Computing. This new College will be transformative and provide new opportunities for collaboration across engineering, science, medicine, sustainability, and computing. Our department is located less than a 5 min walk from Vanderbilt’s other engineering and science departments and is adjacent to the Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE), a nucleus for nanoscale materials research at Vanderbilt. It is one of numerous interdisciplinary centers and institutes on campus ( that offers comprehensive and state‑of‑the‑art core facilities and means for engagement across departments. The Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Climate and Energy ( the Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation ( and the Vanderbilt Institute for National Security ( are among our newest centers, providing additional opportunities for collaboration. Ranked #17 nationally, Vanderbilt University is a private, internationally recognized research university located on 330 park‑like acres 1.5 miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Its 11 distinct schools share a single cohesive campus that values collaboration. The university enrolls over 13,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, including more than 25% minority students and over 10% international students from 84 countries. The School of Engineering and College of Connected Computing together comprise nearly 120 tenured and tenure‑track faculty, with a total research expenditure of $90 million and teach 1500 undergraduate and over 700 graduate and professional students across all programs. With a metro population of over two million people, Nashville has been named one of the 15 best U.S. cities by Travel and Leisure and was ranked in the top tier as best performing cities in 2024 for sustainable growth and resilience by the Milken Institute. Nashville’s top industries by employment include trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; and leisure and hospitality. Other industries include manufacturing, financial activities, construction, and information. Long known as a hub for health care and music, the greater Nashville area is a technology center with a considerable pool of health care, AI, EV, and defense‑related jobs available. In recent years, the city has experienced an influx of major office openings by some of the largest global tech companies and prime Silicon Valley startups.
Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop a vibrant, externally funded, nationally recognized research program, along with an equal commitment to outstanding teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline and should have research and teaching goals strongly aligned with the fields of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Applicants must have conducted prior research work and have a record of impactful scholarly publications in refereed and other professional journals and venues. Experiences with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer simulation are preferred.
Application Instructions
Application materials are to be submitted to 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. Please address questions to Professor Paul Laibinis, Chair of ChBE, by email to
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering employer: Vanderbilt University School of Engineering
Contact Detail:
Vanderbilt University School of Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current faculty members or alumni from Vanderbilt. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research! Prepare a killer presentation that highlights your work in AI/ML and how it ties into energy and chemical processing. This could really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your teaching philosophy! Make sure it aligns with the department's goals. Highlight how you plan to engage students and contribute to their learning experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your unique experiences and how they align with the role. We want to see your passion for chemical and biomolecular engineering, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Research Goals: In your research statement, be clear about your vision and how it fits into the broader goals of the department. We’re looking for innovative ideas that can contribute to our interdisciplinary Energy Cluster, so think big!
Teaching Philosophy Matters: When writing your teaching philosophy, focus on how you plan to engage students and develop new courses. We value outstanding teaching, so share your strategies for inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Submit Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website at Interfolio! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application materials and ensures everything is in one place. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research interests and goals in detail. Be prepared to explain how your work aligns with the department's focus on AI/ML and energy challenges. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Craft a Compelling Teaching Philosophy
Your teaching philosophy is crucial, so take time to articulate it clearly. Highlight how you plan to engage students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and mention any innovative course ideas you have. This will demonstrate your commitment to education and your potential impact on the department.
✨Prepare for Interdisciplinary Questions
Given the interdisciplinary nature of the Energy Cluster, expect questions about collaboration across fields. Think about how your expertise in chemical engineering can intersect with other disciplines, and be ready to share examples of past collaborations or ideas for future ones.
✨Showcase Your Funding Strategy
Since developing a funded research programme is key, come prepared with a strategy for securing grants. Discuss any previous funding experiences and outline potential funding sources relevant to your research. This will highlight your proactive approach and readiness to contribute to the department’s research goals.
