Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Background The Backe Chair in Renewable Energy was recently established with a $1 million gift from John D. Backe. It is intended that the initial gift will be matched with a grant from the state of Florida to increase the total endowment to $1.75 million. Along with this gift, FGCU has entered into a public/private partnership to build the Florida Gulf Coast University Innovation Hub (iHub) research park on 241 acres located near the FGCU campus. The iHub will include a new 50,000 sq. ft FGCU building dedicated to the study of renewable energy including solar, wind, biofuels and other alternative energy sources, and the green technology, and related science needed to support and exploit these sources in a sustainable manner. The Backe Chair will have a leadership role in the design and development of the FGCU building and will help lead our expanding initiative in renewable energy research. Minimum Qualifications Earned Doctorate from an accredited institution, 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 Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and research, knowledge of and commitment to: fostering and enhancing research and scholarship within the University, experience as a undergraduate and graduate faculty mentor, interest in establishing collaborations beyond traditional discipline boundaries, leadership within higher education and/or private or governmental agencies, outstanding track record in national/international collaborations and, publications and with acquiring externally funded research. Position Description Florida Gulf Coast University seeks a senior academician/Eminent Scholar to 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 Chair holder is expected to increase significantly the level of research dollars from external sources such as federal agencies and private companies, and 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. Compensation negotiable and will be based on background and seniority. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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; documented evidence indicative of superlative teaching outcomes. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in leadership within higher education, and demonstrated ability to acquire and lead competitive, externally funded research projects. Must have a team approach with an interest in collaborating both within and beyond the university to develop a strong scientific research program. Experience or commitment to the use of technology in university teaching; interest in collaborating both within and outside the University; and service to the university community. For Additional Information and to Submit Applications Please Visit: Florida Gulf Coast University’s SOAR web site at https://jobs.fgcu.edu; search postings under Requisition ID #1104. Review of materials will begin on January 19, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. Nominations should be submitted to Dr. Ronald B. Toll, Provost, FGCU at rtoll@fgcu.edu.