Physics and Engineering Physics Department Chair

About the role

Morgan State University (MSU), Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution with High Research Activity (R2). MSU is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and services. The university has increased its enrollment by more than 50% in the last five years and tripled its research grant output to over $100 million per year in 2024-2025. MSU offers over 160 degree programs, including 31 doctoral programs.

The School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics. The department offers BS degrees in Engineering Physics and Physics, and jointly offers MS and PhD programs in Integrated Science and Integrated Materials Science. This is a 12-month administrative faculty appointment with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027, at the rank of Professor with tenure.

Reporting directly to the SCMNS Dean, the Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the department.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the department’s academic, research, and outreach initiatives.
• Promote excellence in teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service among faculty and staff.
• Lead departmental planning, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
• Drive curriculum and research innovations in areas such as astronomy, material sciences, photonics, quantum sciences, energy systems, nuclear physics, and engineering physics.
• Support the growth of externally funded research and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Manage departmental budgets, facilities, equipment, and other resources effectively.
• Advance student recruitment, retention, graduation, and post-graduate success initiatives.
• Foster partnerships with industry, government agencies, national laboratories, and community organizations.
• Encourage inclusive excellence and cultivate a collaborative and collegial departmental culture.
• Represent the department within the university and to external stakeholders.
• Teach courses and maintain an active scholarly/research agenda consistent with the expectations of a tenured faculty appointment.

Requirements

• Earned a doctorate in Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Evidence of successful leadership, administrative, or program management experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to secure or support externally funded research initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to student success and academic excellence.

Skills

• Experience with curriculum innovation and program assessment.
• Record of mentoring faculty and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience building partnerships with federal agencies, industry, or research organizations.
• Demonstrated success advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary academic programs.

Application Details

Applicants should submit:

• A letter of interest addressing leadership philosophy and qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of research and scholarly accomplishments.
• Statement of teaching and student mentoring philosophy.
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Job posting number: #7368130. Posted: August 11, 2026. Application deadline: Open until filled.