Dr. Farrokh Khatibi Professor

Overview

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering (ECSE) invites applications for one tenured faculty position in Electrical Engineering at the Full Professor level. The successful candidate will be the inaugural holder of The Dr. Farrokh Khatibi Professorship endowed chair in the area of interdisciplinary advanced telecommunications. Desired areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, 1) design of high-performance analog/radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuitry for next-generation wireless connectivity, 2) emerging applications of artificial intelligence/machine leaming (AI/ML) in the design automation and optimization of analog/RF circuitry, 3) applied electromagnetics, antennas, RF/microwave/millimeter-wave/sub-mm-wave systems for wireless connectivity (communications and sensing), 4) signal processing frameworks for next-generation wireless communication systems and networks, 5) advanced wireless technologies for Al/ML-enabled connectivity.

The candidate will hold primary appointments in Case School of Engineering, although in many instances they will be eligible for additional appointments within other academic units of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Outstanding candidates at the Full 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/provoswnitiatives/faculty-100) by 2028 in areas that address global challenges. The ECSE Department at CWRU is a recognized leader in innovative technologies such as robotics, computing architectures for AI/ML, human-machine interaction, neural rehabilitation, and precision diagnostics. The next wave of innovations in these fields will depend on the ability of devices, robots, and computational nodes to communicate wirelessly, rapidly, and with high fidelity/security. The successful candidate is thus envisioned to lead transformative, interdisciplinary research initiatives that broadly focus on next-generation telecommunication technologies and build a strong foundation that intersects the University's Al, Big Data & Analytics, Human Fusions & Robotics, and Biomedical Diagnostics & Therapeutics themes.

About Us

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 named to the Forbes' "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 Westem 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 and 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 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'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.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Establish and sustain an externally funded and internationally recognized research program, including the development and leadership of large research proposals and research centers.
• 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 in education.
• 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 $180,000 - $220,000. 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.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Be an internationally renowned thought leader in the area of interdisciplinary advanced telecommunications, with an outstanding record in scholarly research, fundraising, and transdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Experience in mentoring doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior faculty.
• Record of leadership and professional service in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.