Description

KAIST invites nominations and applications for the position of Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, commencing July 1, 2026.

KAIST has established a distinguished record in science and engineering education and research, and continues to be recognized internationally for the excellence of its academic programs and research achievements. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, KAIST Mechanical Engineering was ranked 27th in the world and is recognized as being at the top level in Korea.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST currently has 57 full-time faculty members, approximately 880 students, including about 250 undergraduate students and 630 graduate students, and 15 staff members. The Department is actively engaged in research across the broad spectrum of Mechanical Engineering and continues to promote innovative research and interdisciplinary education that will contribute to future industry and society. Further details may be found on the department website at me.kaist.ac.kr.

Requirements

The Department is seeking a scholarly and collegial leader with a clear vision for the future of Mechanical Engineering and for the continued advancement of the Department. The Department Head will be expected to strengthen the Department’s international standing in research and education, build upon its existing strengths, and help identify and foster globally competitive research areas. The Head will also be expected to provide leadership in faculty recruitment, research infrastructure development, curricular and organizational innovation, and strategic planning in alignment with the broader goals of the Institute. The candidate is expected to be a collegial communicator who possesses strong leadership, strategic vision, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the ideal candidate would be expected to exercise Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) supports and initiatives within the Department. Fluency in the Korean language would be beneficial.

Applications should be submitted no later than April 10, 2026. Application materials should include, as separate documents, a letter of application, a current curriculum vitae that includes, where possible, the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five referees, and a statement outlining the applicant’s vision and goals for the Department together with their leadership philosophy (maximum 3 pages). If references included in the curriculum vitae are to be contacted, prior consent of the applicant will be obtained. Applicants are also encouraged to notify the Chair of the Search Committee of their intention to apply in advance of submitting the final application materials.

All submitted materials will be treated in strict confidence and will not be returned.