Department: Zaven and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE)

Contract type: Full-time

Reports to: Provost

Institution: American University of Armenia

Job location: Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia

About the American University of Armenia: Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is committed to providing excellent education at the graduate and undergraduate levels. AUA’s mission is to bring American education to Armenia, preparing Armenian citizens and those of the region to address the needs of sustainable development in an environment that values academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, innovation, leadership, and service to society. AUA is accredited by the US Department of Education, through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) regional accrediting body, and it benefits from a formal affiliation with the University of California system.

 

The Zaven & Sonia Akian College of Sciences and Engineering (https://cse.aua.am) is one of the founding colleges of AUA and, through its rigorous academic training, multiple internships, and industry-focused research projects, offers Master’s degrees in Computer & Information Science and Industrial Engineering & Systems Management as well as Bachelor’s programs in Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Data Science, and Environmental & Sustainability Sciences.  CSE serves roughly 100 graduate and 1,000 undergraduate students, with its 17 full-time and 78 part-time instructors.  The College oversers two research centers: The Engineering Research Center (ERC) and The Akopian Center for the Environment (ACE). 

 

ERC fosters collaboration among AUA scientists, engineers, visiting faculty, and students on internally and externally funded projects to drive innovative research focused on Armenia's economic development. ERC has partnered with companies and foundations in France, Germany, and Armenia, as well as academic institutions in the USA, New Zealand, and India.  ACE promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach.  Among its areas of research interest and function are: IT and the environment, water, responsible mining, sustainable energy, climate solutions, disaster resilience, and so forth.  ACE boasts multiple, simultaneous projects (several funded through the Horizon Europe Program) with both local and international partners from around the globe. 

Key Responsibilities:

The Dean of the College of Science and Engineering reports directly to the Provost and is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College. We are seeking a seasoned academic with a strong record of research and teaching who is also a dynamic leader, able to usher the College through a period of expected growth and opportunity.  The key responsibilities of the CSE Dean are to:

• Develop and implement an innovative vision for the continued expansion of the College as a leading center of scientific research in Armenia and the region
• Develop and implement an innovative vision for the expansion of the College with new undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Lead recruitment and retention of research-active, international, full-time faculty and program chairs
• Develop and facilitate an innovative vision for the continued advancement of the ERC and ACE
• Provide leadership, oversight, and support for all academic programs and research centers within the College
• Collaborate and build synergies between academic and research programs of the College
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders of the College, in Armenia and abroad, in order to promote student internships, employment, joint projects, and support of all CSE educational and research activities
• Collaborate with colleague deans to develop joint programs, cross-listed courses, research projects, and interdisciplinary initiatives
• Coordinate and oversee student recruitment efforts for both graduate and undergraduate programs
• Participate in long-term planning and strategic initiatives related to the university's academic vision, ensuring that the activities of the College support and align with AUA’s evolving mission and institutional goals
• Collaborate with senior leadership, colleague deans, program chairs, and faculty in the strategic planning dialogue process
• Review and approve program self-studies conducted within the College for external program review and accreditation
• Provide mentorship to chairs and faculty members
• Develop and implement performance management models, periodically evaluating each full-time faculty member, advising faculty on promotion cases, and providing recommendations when promotion is considered
• Develop sound management of the College budget, including approving budgets for the programs and research units within the College
• Implement continuous assessment and improvement of the programs, curricula, and quality of teaching and research within the College
• Approve course schedules and teaching assignments developed by chairs
• Support the retention of students through advising and reviewing grade appeals, student transfer credit requests, withdrawals, and readmission
• Hold regular meetings of program chairs and meetings of College faculty
• Promote the activities of CSE in close coordination with the university’s Communications and Development units
• Maintain close ties with external stakeholders on issues related to the enhancement of the College and the University
• Ensure public outreach and community service activities led by College faculty, students, programs, and centers
• Teach one course per semester
• Provide service on a number of internal councils and committees
• Perform other related academic and administrative duties as requested/assigned by the Provost

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess most or all of the following qualifications: 

• Earned Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant academic field, with a strong background in the sciences or engineering
• Distinguished record of scholarship (publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, etc.), teaching, and service
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in academic leadership at a senior level (dean, associate, dean, department/program chair), curriculum development, faculty governance, and the administration of programs in the sciences or engineering at a regionally accredited US institution
• Proven track record of securing research funding in the sciences
• Demonstrable capacity to implement a strategic vision for research and development, with the ability to advance CSE’s academic mission and goals and to lead the College in innovative, research-driven directions for advancement that align with the national, regional, and global research landscape
• Track record of attracting and recruiting research-active academic talent
• Established network of academic and industry collaborators, in the interest of advancing research initiatives and faculty recruitment
• Engagement and successful collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders in the private and public sectors
• Strong visionary, interpersonal, communication, and mentorship skills that inspire and drive innovation in research, education, and faculty development
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide clear, actionable recommendations
• Experience in faculty development programs, including training and support to enhance research productivity and teaching
• A demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion in higher education
• Prior academic experience in an international setting, and knowledge of Armenia, CIS countries, Eastern Europe, and/or the Middle East are preferred, but not essential 
• The successful candidate must reside in Armenia

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials via email to academicjobs@aua.am:

• A detailed CV that includes academic qualifications and professional experience
• A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and vision for the future of the CSE at AUA
• A list of at least three professional references, with contact information
• Any additional supporting documents

 

The application review process will begin on February 28, 2025.  Applications will be accepted and considered until the position is filled. For inquiries or additional information, please contact hr@aua.am.

 

The American University of Armenia is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative academic community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect.

 

Compensation:

AUA offers competitive compensation and benefits packages.

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