Director
Job Location:
Cookeville, TN - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
The College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Director of the Center for Energy Systems Research (CESR). We seek a dynamic and visionary Director who will guide CESR to regional and national recognition as a leader in modern resilient secure and scalable energy systems in a new era of energy challenges and opportunities. This is a full-time nine-month tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate or full professor including some guaranteed summer support with tenure in an appropriate department of the College of Engineering determined based on the candidates expertise. Target start date is September 1 2026.
The Director serves as the chief executive officer of CESR and directly reports to the Associate Dean for Research. The successful candidate will provide strategic vision leadership and guidance to advance CESRs regional and national prominence in resilient secure and scalable energy systems leveraging already established strengths and expertise of the college. The Director will lead research development secure external funding manage budgets and personnel with a primary focus on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and outreach activities beyond the college domain. The individual is also expected to maintain an active research program and contribute to instruction within their tenure home department.
The Center for Energy Systems Research is one of Tennessees Centers of Excellence within the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech University. Founded over 40 years ago CESR has received continuous state funding throughout its history and is currently supported by the State of Tennessee at $1.2 million per year. CESR has a long history of externally funded research in energy systems and maintains strong partnerships with the electric power industry and government agencies. The incoming Director will build and sustain a collaborative faculty-centered research culture that actively engages College of Engineering faculty and supports their growth as researchers and scholars. The College of Engineering enrolls approximately 3200 students across multiple undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is home to multiple research centers. The College of Engineering is rapidly expanding and modernizing including the addition of new offerings in Nuclear Engineering. For additional information visit Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Responsibilities
Developing and implementing policies in conjunction with CESR faculty staff and graduate students
Recruiting mentoring and evaluating faculty staff and graduate students for CESR
Actively engaging College of Engineering faculty as participants in CESRs research activities and supporting their professional growth and scholarly development
Working cooperatively with departmental chairs in the College of Engineering and with representatives of other colleges
Collaborating with the directors of other research centers and with other emerging university research initiatives
Participating actively on university and college committees
Representing CESR on industrial governmental and community advisory boards and committees
Providing liaison with business industry governmental agencies and other institutions of higher education
Working cooperatively with the Engineering Research Office and the Office of Research and Economic Development
Working closely with CESRs advisory committee to ensure alignment with stakeholder needs
Those typical in an office setting.
Applicants must apply online atand electronically upload:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of vision for CESR and leadership philosophy
- Copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire)
Complete contact information for four professional references
Screening begins August 15 2026; open until filled. Submission of materials is the applicants responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.
The University offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university) retirement optional 401k and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.
Qualifications
Doctorate from an accredited institution in engineering computing or a closely related field
Distinguished record of research publications and funding in energy systems including areas such as the smart grid power systems engineering nuclear energy wireless power transmission energy storage critical infrastructure protection grid resilience or the energy demands of large-scale digital infrastructure
Demonstrated commitment to integrating modern computational and data-driven methodologies into energy systems research
Teaching and scholarly accomplishments sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured associate or full professor in a department of the College of Engineering at Tennessee Tech
Demonstrated leadership management and team-building skills
Demonstrated ability to obtain and manage externally funded research
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders
Current appointment as tenured associate or full professor at an accredited institution
Established national or international reputation in energy systems research
Demonstrated expertise in or commitment to advancing the application of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (AI/HPC) and other advanced technologies to energy systems challenges
Experience directing a research center institute or large-scale research program
Demonstrated record of industry government and community engagement
Involvement and leadership in state and national technical organizations; service on proposal review panels for governmental agencies
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Tennessee Tech University ranked as the #1 public university in TN, according to Money magazine, and best return on investment. 200+ programs in Engineering, Education, Business, and more.
