Position Overview
The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) seeks an outstanding individual for a tenure-track open rank position in environmental engineering, with a specialty in wastewater engineering. The successful candidate will contribute to the continued development of the department's academic and research programs in environmental engineering and to KU's broader research community.
This search is focused on candidates whose scholarship advances wastewater engineering. Relevant areas may include, but are not limited to, advanced physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes; resource and energy recovery; water reuse; emerging contaminants; environmental biotechnology and microbiology; decentralized treatment; process modeling, sensing, automation, and optimization; and resilient and sustainable wastewater systems. The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to develop a collaborative, externally funded research program and to design and teach high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses. The anticipated starting date is August 18, 2027. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. prior to the start of the position.
This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU, the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit. Faculty have the right to be a member or not be a member of UAKU without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
About the School of Engineering:
The University of Kansas School of Engineering (http://engr.ku.edu/) has undergone a significant expansion while taking explicit care to maintain and improve the high-quality student programs the university is known for. The effort involved a multi-faceted approach aimed at growing our facilities, faculty, leadership, and research and, most importantly, supporting students. It also helps industry partners find the new talent, designs, and techniques they need to fuel economic growth and business success.
The CEAE Department (https://ceae.ku.edu/) currently has 26 tenured/tenure-track faculty, four teaching professors / professors of practice, one research professor, and approximately 360 undergraduate students and 140 graduate students, with programs leading to bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. The department has a strong history of conducting impactful research while focusing on the success of students at all levels. The department hosts state-of-the-art research facilities, including greenhouse and piloting facilities, and has long collaborated with regional municipalities, with conventional and advanced nutrient recovery facilities (Bardenpho processes). Our close proximity to the Kansas City metro area, which is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of architectural, engineering, and construction firms. This location provides rich opportunities to corporate engagement and partnerships.
About Lawrence, KS:
KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community — a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, a wide variety of local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Home to over 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theater venues, and professional sports teams.
Job Description
Culture and Community:
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
Job Duties:
40% Teaching
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental engineering, including courses in wastewater engineering. Develop courses and participate in curriculum development. Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students throughout the course of their studies.
40% Research
Develop and conduct an innovative research program in wastewater engineering. Relevant areas may include, but are not limited to, advanced physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes; resource and energy recovery; water reuse; emerging contaminants; environmental biotechnology and microbiology; decentralized treatment; process modeling, sensing, automation, and optimization; and resilient and sustainable wastewater systems. Establish a strong research agenda leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals, and participate in local, national, and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Supervise M.S. and Ph.D. studies.
20% Service
Perform service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank, including committee service to the Department, School, and University. Also includes national and international service to the profession.
Required Qualifications
All Ranks:
- Earned doctorate in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
- Demonstrable expertise in wastewater engineering.
- Ability to communicate ideas effectively and work well with others, as demonstrated through application materials and interview.
- Demonstrated potential to develop an externally funded research program and to design and teach high-quality undergraduate and graduate courses.
At the rank of Associate Professor:
- Sustained record of scholarship and research;
- Evidence of national recognition in the field;
- Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary teams;
- A minimum of five years of post-Ph.D. professional experience in a faculty role or an equivalent combination of academic and relevant industry/practice experience.
At the rank of Professor:
- Sustained record of scholarship and research;
- Evidence of national and international recognition in the field;
- Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary teams;
- A minimum of ten years of post-Ph.D. professional experience in a faculty role or an equivalent combination of academic and relevant industry/practice experience, with a sustained record of leadership.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete online application includes the following materials: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research agenda (2-page limit); (4) teaching philosophy statement (2-page limit); and (5) the names and contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references.
Application review will begin November 12, 2026, and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is received.
Contact Information to Applicants
Search Committee Chair: Justin Hutchison, jhutch@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Thursday November 12, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday August 18, 2027
