Department Head- Biology

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The Department of Biology in Penn State’s Eberly College of Science seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader. The Department is an intellectually diverse academic community with 70 faculty members, 33 postdoctoral researchers, 90 graduate students, and 20 staff members. Its undergraduate programs include Biology and Neurobiology majors and Biology and Marine Science minors, with 1,526 students enrolled across these programs. Recognized nationally and internationally for research and teaching, the Department serves as a hub for life sciences at Penn State and works closely with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and partners across the University, including Engineering, Medicine, and Agricultural Sciences. Reporting to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, the Department Head is the Department’s chief academic and administrative officer, responsible for leading all aspects of its mission. The Head will set and advance a vision for the Department, support its people and programs, strengthen research and education, foster collaboration, and manage resources. The Department Head is expected to maintain an active and visible research program and contribute to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service. Applications should include a single PDF containing a two-page letter describing the applicant’s interest, qualifications, leadership experience, administrative accomplishments, and vision; a research program statement; a leadership and management philosophy statement with examples; and a curriculum vitae. Application screening begins December 7, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. Employment is contingent on successful completion of standard background checks and a credit history check.

Requirements

Credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Biology.
An earned doctorate in biology or a closely related field.
A distinguished record of research, scholarship, teaching, and mentorship.
Demonstrated academic leadership and administrative experience, including the ability to identify challenges and opportunities and turn strategic priorities into action.
Proven ability to strategically manage budgets, personnel, and organizational resources and balance diverse priorities and resource needs.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully, communicate transparently, build trust, and engage diverse audiences.
Effectiveness advocating for research, education, people, facilities, and institutional priorities.
Sound judgment and ability to address difficult issues constructively, make thoughtful and timely decisions, and lead through change.
Appreciation for the complementary contributions of research, teaching, mentoring, outreach, and service to the Department’s mission.

Responsibilities

Articulate and advance a compelling vision for the Department and build alignment around strategic priorities.
Sustain a collegial and collaborative culture that values research, teaching, outreach, and service.
Support faculty and staff success through mentoring, professional development, recognition, and strategic resource allocation.
Strengthen established research areas and identify and support emerging opportunities.
Champion excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education, including connections between research and teaching, experiential learning, and undergraduate research.
Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the College, across Penn State, and with external partners.
Advocate for the Department with College and University leadership, alumni, donors, and external stakeholders.
Develop and manage budgets and administer personnel, facilities, and academic programs.
Promote transparent communication, shared governance, and thoughtful decision-making informed by departmental expertise.
Foster a welcoming and supportive environment for faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
Maintain an active and visible research program and contribute to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service.