Environmental Engineering

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Environmental Engineering
Case Western Reserve University: Case School of Engineering (FAC): Civil & Environmental Engineering (FAC)

Location: Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Open Date: Oct 05, 2026

Description Overview:

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Environmental Engineering. We are looking for strong candidates who will bring an innovative perspective to advancing environmental data science in support of major civil and environmental engineering challenges. The successful candidate is expected to strengthen existing departmental expertise and build a nationally recognized research program at the intersection of environmental engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. A strong interdisciplinary science/engineering background is highly sought. The following non-exhaustive list of expertise is of specific interest: environmental data science and AI for water, air, soil, engineered systems, and climate applications; knowledge-informed and interpretable machine learning; multi-omics approaches; environmental bioinformatics; environmental sensing and monitoring; data-driven modeling of environmental processes; uncertainty quantification and decision support; and digital tools for environmental sustainability, resilience, and adaptation.

Outstanding candidates at the Assistant Professor rank will be considered for an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

This position is part of an ambitious faculty hiring plan this year within the Case School of Engineering and is in support of the President’s and Provost’s Faculty 100 Initiative to hire at least 100 new tenure and tenure-track faculty at Case Western Reserve University (https://case.edu/provost/initiatives/faculty-100) by 2028 in areas that address global challenges.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, one of the founding departments of the Case Institute of Technology, offers a vibrant and collegial environment for research, teaching, and collaboration. In the past decade, the Department has invested more than $6 million in research and educational infrastructure, including the Vanderhoof Infrastructure Research and Education facilities, the Saada Family Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, the Richard Saada Intelligent Geosystems Laboratory, and a new Frank E. Gerace Concrete laboratory. Department faculty are affiliated with major multidisciplinary research initiatives, including a $26 million NSF Engineering Research Center focused on the circular economy and a $15 million U.S. Department of Transportation National University Transportation Center focused on infrastructure sustainability and renewal. Currently, department faculty are addressing critical water infrastructure challenges through major externally funded research, including support from the $2.5 million NSF Critical Resilient Independent Systems and Processes project and they have secured over $5 million in additional funding for environmental research. CWRU High Performance Computing (HPC) provides multi-purpose, high performance computational resources. The Department is distinguished by its dynamic, innovative and supportive culture, as well as its strong record of student satisfaction.

About Us:

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a leading private research university, located in Cleveland’s vibrant University Circle. The university is known for its strengths in interdisciplinary research, academic excellence, and collaboration with world-renowned healthcare, cultural, and industry partners. In 2026, CWRU was ranked No. 25 globally in TIME’s inaugural Best Universities ranking and was named to Forbes’ 2026 “New Ivies” list. CWRU’s research expenditures trajectory also earned the #1 spot as the fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities (AAU). Under the leadership of CWRU President Eric W. Kaler, the university is guided by three institutional priorities: to elevate academic excellence, expand the research enterprise and enhance community engagement and impact. The university is celebrating its bicentennial this year with the opening of a new $300 million interdisciplinary science and engineering building, intended to foster greater collaboration across disciplines to improve the world. The Case School of Engineering is a major driver of innovation, discovery, and translational impact at Case Western Reserve. The school is known for excellence in both foundational and applied research, with strengths spanning biomedical engineering, computer and data sciences, materials, energy, robotics, manufacturing, human health, and emerging technologies. Faculty benefit from strong institutional support for research and innovation, as well as extensive opportunities to collaborate across the university and with major external partners including NASA Glenn Research Center, hospital affiliates (including the Cleveland Clinic), regional industry, and national laboratories. Faculty in the Case School of Engineering are encouraged to pursue joint appointments with external partners as well as other exchange opportunities such as industry-based sabbaticals. The school is at the forefront of CWRU’s new National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine, NEO-SMART, backed by an NSF investment of up to $160M over 10 years with well over 70 partners across Northeast Ohio. The school’s educational mission is equally distinctive, emphasizing experiential learning and student mentorship.

Faculty are supported in their research pursuits through advanced instrumentation in shared facilities, advanced research computing resources, research centers and institutes, and strong administrative support for proposal development and grants management. Faculty are supported in their pursuit of teaching excellence and engineering educational innovations through the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education. CWRU also offers outstanding opportunities for pursuing entrepreneurship and translational research. The university supports innovation through resources for intellectual property development, commercialization, startup creation, and strategic partnerships, enabling faculty to extend the reach of their research from discovery to societal benefit. CWRU High Performance Computing (HPC) provides multi-purpose, high performance computational resources.

CWRU's 267-acre campus is in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the nation’s top arts districts and within walking distance of three major hospitals. Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs are known for their affordable, high-quality of life, with access to great schools, recreation options, and a vibrant community. The cost of living in NE Ohio is 10-30% below most major metropolitan areas.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish and sustain an externally funded and internationally recognized research program.
• Contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and contributing to curriculum development and innovations.
• Participate in departmental, school, university, and professional-society service.
• Engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary activities across the university and with external partners - including industry and national laboratories.

Salary and Benefits:

In compliance with the City of Cleveland's Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base (academic year) salary range for this position is from $115,000 - $120,000. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and paid time off. For more details on CWRU’s benefits, see https://case.edu/hr/benefits.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• An earned PhD in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field or a closely related field by the start date.
• An excellent academic record.
• A clearly articulated vision for an innovative and societally relevant research program aligned with the strategic priorities of the department, and the skills to implement that vision.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and commitment to effective mentoring and student success, and if being considered for a tenured position, a strong track record of excellence in both teaching and mentoring.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral, industrial, national labs, or other relevant research experience beyond the Ph.D.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Instructions:

Application Materials:

Please include the following:

1. Cover letter describing interest in the position and fit with the department.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Research statement outlining past accomplishments and future plans.
4. Teaching statement describing instructional philosophy, experience, and interests.
5. [Optional] Statement on mentoring, service, collaboration, and/or contributions to an inclusive and supportive academic community.
6. Names and contact information for 3 references.

Applications received by Dec 15, 2026 will be given full consideration. Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Dr. Huichun (Judy) Zhang (hjz13@case.edu), Chair of the Search Committee.

Application Process:

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Apply Now

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

APPLY HERE: apply.interfolio.com/194541