Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Chemical and Biological Engineering research addresses some of the world’s most pressing technological challenges—from energy and sustainable development to advanced materials, food and pharmaceutical production, biotechnology in general, and human health. More than 300 undergraduate students and 65 graduate students are currently enrolled in the Department. The Department is home to three elected members of the National Academy of Engineering.

Our faculty have access to world-class research facilities and an atmosphere that promotes interdisciplinary collaborations. The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies supports world-class research and facilities that brings faculty from engineering and science together to at the interface between science and engineering.

• Our new Center for Engineering and Precision Medicine, a collaboration between Rensselaer and Mt. Sinai in New York City is engaged in both fundamental and translational biomedical research.
• The New York State Center for Future Energy Systems conducts fundamental and applied research to accelerate the development of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
• The Center for Materials, Devices and Integrated Systems aims to advance next-generation electronic and optical devices, manufacturing and robotics, integrated biomaterial devices, energy harvesting and storage, electric transmission/distribution, responsive and adaptive built environments, and nanostructured composite materials.
• The Center for Computational Innovation and the Scientific Computation Research Center house one of the most powerful computers for AI applications - the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System (AiMOS).
• The Future of Computing Institute and the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center provide new and exciting opportunities to manipulate and experience data and cognitive computing.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, invites candidates to apply for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. The new faculty member will join a vibrant department at a time of renewed growth and investment driven by our new president. The Department has current strengths in the areas of advanced materials, interfacial and transport processes, metabolic engineering, bioseparations, and system/process dynamics. We are looking for outstanding individuals who will develop cross-cutting research programs and help us expand our presence in the critical areas of Energy and Microelectronics. Our interest is driven by RPI’s leading role in semiconductor technology, our location as a hub of semiconductor technology and manufacturing, and clear opportunities for sustainable energy solutions in the upstate NY region, including strong collaborations with companies.

Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. (or foreign degree equivalent) in Chemical Engineering or a closely related Science/Engineering field. Degree requirements must be satisfactorily completed by the time appointment begins. In addition, candidates must demonstrate, through accomplishments, the promise of future distinction in scholarship and education. The successful candidate will have duties that include teaching assigned undergraduate/graduate courses in the department and the school related to the field of Chemical Engineering; establishing and maintaining a robust program of sponsored research; mentoring students; and engaging in meaningful service to the Department, the School, and the Chemical Engineering profession.

For more information about the Department, please visit our website: http://cbe.rpi.edu/.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $95,000 - $120,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile with contact information for four (4) references. Please be ready to upload the following:

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• research statement including future research plans
• statement of teaching activities and interests
• diversity statement

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the search will continue, on a rolling basis, until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2024.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.