The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Head

The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Head. Candidates for Department Head must have a Ph.D. in mining engineering, mineral processing, or a closely related field. Additional requirements include a distinguished record of research, education, and professional service and credentials commensurate with the rank of full professor in the department.

Desired characteristics include the ability to: provide leadership, management, and vision for the faculty, staff, and students and their programs to further elevate the national prominence of the Department, and to involve further development of existing strengths, and strengthening of interdisciplinary efforts across the university; be a strong and effective advocate of the department to the college and the university administration, industry, and government agencies; encourage the creativity, scholarship, development, and teamwork among the faculty, staff, and students; lead fund-raising efforts by promotion of sponsored research and by cultivating corporate, governmental, alumni and other private support; exercise administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources, and communication within the department; provide commitment and sensitivity to issues of diversity in the campus community; and communicate effectively, concisely, and clearly at all levels.

The Mining and Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech is one of the largest minerals-related programs in North America and enjoys a strong international reputation for its academic, research and public service programs. Currently, the Department is comprised of 8 full-time faculty members and has an enrollment of 170 undergraduate and about 25 graduate students. Research expenditures are in excess of three million dollars per year. The Department is housed within a nationally ranked College of Engineering. Virginia Tech, the land-grant University of the Commonwealth, is located in Blacksburg in southwestern Virginia, adjacent to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The university has a total enrollment of 29,000, with approximately 7,500 students in the College of Engineering.

Blacksburg is consistently ranked among the country's best places to live (www.liveinblacksburg.com). Home to the Blacksburg Electronic Village, it is a scenic and vibrant community nestled in the New River Valley between the Alleghany and Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is proximal to state parks, trails, and other regional attractions in Southwest Virginia, renowned for their history and natural beauty.

Virginia Tech is committed to the principle of diversity and, in that spirit, seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. Virginia Tech is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the participation of women in academic science and engineering careers.

Candidates who wish to be considered for this position should apply online at www.jobs.vt.edu to posting number 080945. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a transmittal letter, and contact information for at least five individuals providing references. Review of applications will begin on November 3rd, 2008 and continue until the position is filled; interviews are targeted for early January, 2009. For further information please visit the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department's web site at www.mining.vt.edu. Questions regarding the search may be directed to Dr. Erik Westman (ewestman@vt.edu) who serves as chair of the search committee.

Virginia Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.