Position Announcement and Job Description - College of Science

Head, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,

Utah State University

Position Summary

Utah State University seeks applications for the position of Head, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field, and an excellent record of academic experience and research productivity at a teaching and research institution. Applicants must be eligible for the rank of tenured full professor. Research excellence can be demonstrated through a combination of scholarly publications, extramural funding, and recognition through professional activities. The applicant must understand the challenges of undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring and provide vision and leadership in building new programs, interdisciplinary research, and administrative operations towards developing a nationally prominent departmental program at USU. The applicant is expected to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and financial and budget management experience.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Department Head include:

Leadership in facilitating the department's teaching and research programs. The Department Head must have a have keen understanding of both the university’s academic and research enterprises, and be able to articulate and promote academic excellence.The Department Head should foster a positive, collegial climate and participatory decision-making process within the department that promotes excellence in the department’s programs.
Administrative responsibility for the department’s organizational performance. The Department Head is responsible for fiscal planning and oversight of the department’s budgets and resources, and for management of process and procedures relating to human resources including recruitment, career development, performance evaluations, and retention of faculty and staff.
Advocacy for the department within and outside the University. The Department Head is expected to establish effective liaisons with other departments, college and university administration, government agencies, industry and alumni. The ultimate goals are to increase the public and professional recognition for the department, and to garner resources (competitive, non-competitive and gifted) that strengthen and broaden the department’s mission.

Required Qualifications

PhD, or equivalent terminal degree in an academic discipline relevant to the department.
A strong record of professional and scholarly achievement eligible for the rank of tenured full professor in the department.

Preferred Qualifications

Priority will be given to candidates who possess and have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding:

Capacity to provide visionary leadership to support and promote excellence in teaching and research.
Appreciation for diverse research programs and the synergy of basic and applied research efforts
Understanding and appreciation for undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Proficiency or aptitude for program administration and evaluation, curriculum improvement, fiscal management and development, and collaboration with stakeholders.
Organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to create and enhance collaborations among programs within the department, the college and the university.
Facility to articulate and advocate the vision and goals of the department to a variety of audiences.
Commitment to cultural diversity and community.

How to Apply for this Job

Review of applications will begin on 1 January 2009 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

The required application materials include:

A cover letter
Curriculum vitae
The names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references.
Statement of leadership and management experiences, philosophy of leadership, and vision for the future of the department

All applicants need to apply using the online system:

To apply online, go to: https://jobs.usu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1229034756665

Click on "SEARCH POSTINGS"
Enter Req ID: 051529
Click on "SEARCH"
Under "Department Head - Chemistry and Biochemistry Department," click on "View"
Click on "APPLY FOR THIS POSTING"

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry (American Chemical Society certified) and Biochemistry and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry (http://www.chem.usu.edu/ ). It currently has 190 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate students. One of six departments of the College of Science (http://www.usu.edu/science/), the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has 20 faculty members with assignments in teaching and research. With a history of strong external research funding, the Department has state-of-the-art research facilities in modern buildings that also house high quality teaching facilities.

Utah State University is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University – Extensive institution of 26,000 students, nestled in a mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah. Opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities are plentiful. Housing costs are at or below national averages, and Cache Valley provides a supportive environment for families and balanced personal/professional life. USU offers competitive salaries and outstanding medical, retirement and professional benefits (see http://personnel.usu.edu/ for details). Women, minority, veteran and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply, and USU is sensitive to the needs of dual-career couples. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, with a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Gender Equity program, committed to increasing diversity among students, faculty, and all participants in university life.

Nominations and inquiries should be directed to:

Daryll B. DeWald, Chair of Search Committee

Professor and Head

Department of Biology

5305 Old Main Hill

Utah State University

Logan. UT 84322-5305 USA

dewald@biology.usu.edu

(435) 797-1909

(435) 797-1575 (FAX)

Jon Takemoto, Search manager

Professor