Department Head- Biology

Penn State University•University Park, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Biology in Penn State’s Eberly College of Science invites applications for a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary Department Head. The department is a broad, intellectually diverse academic community recognized nationally and internationally for research and education. It comprises 70 faculty members, 33 postdoctoral researchers, 90 graduate students, and 20 staff members, and its undergraduate programs serve 1,526 students. Biology is an important hub for life sciences at Penn State, with partnerships across the University and connections to the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and other colleges. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, the Department Head is the chief academic and administrative officer and provides leadership for all aspects of the department’s mission. The Head will advance a compelling vision and strategic priorities, support the department’s people and research, strengthen education and interdisciplinary collaboration, advocate for the department, and oversee its budgets, personnel, facilities, and academic programs. The Head is also expected to maintain an active and visible research program and contribute to the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. Applications will be reviewed beginning December 7, 2026, and consideration will continue until the position is filled. Employment requires successful completion of background checks, including a credit history check due to the position’s financial and fiduciary responsibilities.

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 translate 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 in advocating for research, education, people, facilities, and institutional priorities.
Sound judgment and the ability to address difficult issues constructively, make thoughtful and timely decisions, and lead through change.
Appreciation for the distinct and 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 and strengthen a collegial, collaborative culture that values research, teaching, outreach, and service.
Support faculty and staff success through mentoring, professional development, recognition of talent, 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 collaboration 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 informed decision-making.
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.