Backe Chair in Renewable Energy

Established on the verge of the 21st century, Florida Gulf Coast University infuses the strengths of the traditional public university with innovation and learning-centered spirit, its chief aim being to fulfill the academic, cultural, social, and career expectations of its constituents.

Outstanding faculty uphold challenging academic standards and balance research, scholarly activities, and service expectations with their central responsibilities of teaching and mentoring. Working together, faculty and staff of the University transform students' lives and the southwest Florida region.

Florida Gulf Coast University continuously pursues academic excellence, practices and promotes environmental sustainability, embraces diversity, nurtures community partnerships, values public service, encourages civic responsibility, cultivates habits of lifelong learning, and keeps the advancement of knowledge and pursuit of truth as noble ideals at the heart of the university's purpose.

Position Overview:

The Backe Chair in Renewable Energy is a senior academician who will assume a leadership role in the development of a university-wide Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment, including the conception of its mission, vision, and creation of a strategic plan for its development and success. The Chair is expected to be entrepreneurial and interact significantly with groups external to the university including local, state and federal agencies.

The Backe Chair will have a leadership role in the design and development of the FGCU I-Hub research building and will help lead the renewable energy research initiative. The Chair is expected to contribute to increasing the level of research dollars from external sources, including governmental agencies and the private sector, and the establishment of a research focus that complements the expertise and strengths of the existing faculty. The Backe Chair will provide interdisciplinary collaboration across the sciences and engineering programs and assist with the development of cross-disciplinary projects to support and extend current faculty research strengths.

The ideal candidate should be experienced, energetic, entrepreneurial, and collaborative with a vision of building a research program in renewable energy consistent with the Backe Endownment and FGCU mission.

Responsibilities:

This position will advance the research and teaching agenda of the Backe Chair in Renewable Energy through strong interdisciplinary collaboration across the sciences and engineering programs. Emphasis will be placed on integrating fundamental and applied research, developing cross-disciplinary projects to support current faculty research strengths; and providing excellence in instruction in selected courses at the undergraduate/graduate levels related to their discipline. The Backe Chair in Renewable Energy will assume a leadership role in the development of a university-wide Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment, including the conception of its mission, vision, and creation of a strategic plan for its development. The Backe Chair is expected to contribute to increasing the level of research dollars from external sources, including governmental agencies and the private sector to contribute to the establishment of a research focus that complements the expertise and strengths of the existing faculty.

The academic reporting structure for the Backe Chair will be determined based on the disciplinary expertise of the successful candidate; however, it is envisioned that the academic home for the Backe Chair will be in a department currently found either in the College of Arts and Sciences or the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering.

It is highly desirable for the successful candidate to have an established research program including associated personnel and instrumentation which can transition to FGCU.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned Doctorate from an accredited institution or equivalent accreditation. An outstanding record of scholarly achievement in a field of science, engineering or technological innovation complementary to the stated goals of the Backe Chair. Current rank at the level of associate or full professor, or equivalent scholarly credentials. Commitment to teaching selected courses and research emphasis in a science/engineering discipline appropriate to the goals of the Backe Chair.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience in the Renewable Energy or related field. Experience with collaborating on cross-disciplinary projects that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, enhancing research and scholarship within the University. Higher education and/or private or governmental agencies experience preferred. Outstanding track record in acquiring externally funded research. Entrepreneurial ability a plus.

Required Licenses/Certifications and Other Specific Requirements of Law:

Adhere to FERPA Requirements (Buckley Amendment)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience in leadership, and demonstrated ability to acquire and lead competitive, externally funded research projects. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Expected to be entrepreneurial and interact significantly with external groups to the university including local, state and federal agencies. Demonstrated success in funded research in the area of renewable energy/sustainable environmental practices; proven ability to mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels; evidence of superlative teaching outcomes. Must have a team approach with an interest in collaborating across and beyond the university to develop a strong scientific research program.

Interest in collaborating both within and outside the University; and service to the university community.

Compensation: Advertised Salary Range: Compensation negotiable, based on education and seniority

To Apply:

To apply, please use Backe Chair in Renewable Energy, Req. #1257 /FGCU on line application form.

Persons with disabilities needing an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process should contact Director of Human Resources. (TTY at (239)590-1450)

Additional materials submitted such as video, tapes, slides, books, etc., are subject to public review under Florida's Public Records law, shall become the property of FGCU, and can not be returned.

Appointment will be made at a faculty rank commensurate with the candidate's experience on a 9-month multi-year appointment basis available August 2011.

All rules and regulations concerning the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) must be followed regarding the handling of all confidential information such as student records, grievance issues, and personnel matters.

Note: Eligibility determination will be made by the Florida Gulf Coast University Human Resources Office. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized aliens. Males between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to provide proof of Selective Service Registration prior to employment. Preferences will be given to certain veterans and spouses of veterans as outlined in the Florida Statutes. A minimum of 5 working days in advance. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request and become property of FGCU.