Chair, Department of Biological Sciences

Chair, Department of Biological Sciences Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites applications and
nominations for an experienced and enthusiastic academic leader to
serve as the Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences within
the College of Engineering and Sciences. The Chair will provide a
contemporary vision and leadership to the largest academic
department in the college; and will be expected to play a key role
in expanding and strengthening the growing health-related programs
in the unit.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW)
PNW, part of the internationally respected Purdue University
system, offers world-class educational opportunities at an
excellent value on two culturally diverse, student-centered
campuses located in northwest Indiana and within easy driving
distance of Chicago, Illinois. PNW is the fifth largest public
university in Indiana, with more than 12,000 students, offering
nearly 70 programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral
levels. The institution has distinguished itself with opportunities
for experiential learning, undergraduate research, and one-to-one
relationships between faculty and students.
The College of Engineering and Sciences serves over 1,600
undergraduate students and 200 graduate students across a wide
range of academic programs. In addition to the Department of
Biological Sciences, the college includes: a Department of
Chemistry and Physics; a Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and
Computer Science; and a School of Engineering with a Department of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering and a Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering. The college also contains three distinguished
and award-winning research centers, which include: Center for Innovations through
Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), Energy Efficiency and
Reliability Center, and Water Institute.
Department of Biological Sciences
The Department of Biological Sciences is a multi-disciplinary
unit serving more than 450 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate
students. The department includes 15 tenured, tenure-track, and
clinical faculty members, and 4 staff members. The unit offers
baccalaureate degrees in Biology (with multiple concentrations),
Health Studies, and Medical Laboratory Science, as well as a
master's degree in Biology. The service region offers some unique
natural attractions, such as the Indiana Dunes State Park and
National Lakeshore, and both campuses are within 15 miles of the
southern shores of Lake Michigan. Additionally, between university
property and the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue
Northwest, faculty have access to more than 600-acres of
habitat for educational and research opportunities. In fall
of 2020, a new $40 million, 68,000 sq. ft. Bioscience
Innovations Building will open on the Hammond campus. The
facility will house the Department of Biological Sciences and the
College of Nursing. The new building will contain flexible teaching
and research labs, as well as contemporary student interaction
spaces.
Department Chair
The Department Chair reports directly to the Dean of the College
of Engineering and Sciences. The Chair provides first-level
management and strategic leadership for the academic unit, as well
as students, faculty, and staff assigned to the department. The
needs of students and the well-being of the department, college,
and university are central obligations of this position. The
Department Chair is expected to promote collegiality, positive
university citizenship, and must be able to represent the unit both
to on-campus and off-campus constituencies. The successful
candidate will understand contemporary trends in both higher
education and the discipline; and will be able to articulate a
vision to advance the department in learning, scholarship, and
community engagement.
Qualifications
Candidates for the position of Department Chair are required to
hold a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, or a closely related field,
and should have experience (preferred) or an interest in developing
contemporary health-related programs at the undergraduate and
graduate levels (e.g. Athletic Training, Nutrition and Wellness,
and Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy). Applicants for
Department Chair must have 3 or more years of academic leadership
experience, a vision for interdisciplinary programs and research,
and a record of leading by example. Desirable skills include an
ability to promote student success, manage effectively,
strategically plan/implement new programs, and build partnerships
with the community in a meaningful way. Excellent interpersonal,
oral, and written skills are desirable. The successful candidate
will have a record of teaching, scholarship, and service that
merits appointment at the rank of Professor in one of the
disciplines in the department.
Application Process
The search committee will begin reviewing applications for the
position on November 2, 2018; and will continue to accept
applications and nominations until the position is filled. To
receive full consideration, applicants are encouraged to have
application materials submitted by October 31, 2018. A complete
application will include a letter of interest, current curriculum
vitae, and contact information of 5 professional references. All
applications and nominations will remain confidential; references
will not be contacted without notice.
PNW is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty
effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement.
Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their
cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or
activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that sincerely
values diversity and inclusion.
Applications must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word
or PDF format. Please direct all applications to the contact
information below. Refer to "PNW BIOL SCI Dept Chair" in the
subject line.
Debra Grant, Assistant to the Dean
Purdue University Northwest
College of Engineering and Sciences
th Street
Hammond, IN 46323

Position inquiries and nominations must be emailed to the Search
Committee Chair at .
Visit our web site
for additional information about the University. For information
regarding our excellent benefits package, visit
Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background
check.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a
diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women,
individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are
encouraged to apply. Category: Education , Keywords: Department Chair