Director, School of Biological Sciences

T hank you for your interest in employment with Louisiana Tech University.

Louisiana Tech University seeks a visionary, collaborative leader for the School of Biological Sciences. This position will lead a multidisciplinary unit that offers Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Biology, Environmental Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Nutrition and Dietetics; Master of Science degrees (MS) in Biology, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology; a PhD degree in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology and graduate certificates in Health Sciences and Dietetics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and manage day-to-day operations of the department, including budget planning, faculty assignments and evaluations, and departmental policies.
• Foster a supportive, collaborative environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Direct and participate in the teaching functions of the department.
• Facilitate curriculum reviews to maintain current programs and their alignment with accreditation standards.
• Oversee the allocation of resources in a multidisciplinary unit to efficiently meet academic and research goals.
• Support faculty development and innovative opportunities.
• Promote excellence in research and innovative teaching to ensure high-quality instruction across undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Create and maintain strong relationships with alumni, industry partners, government agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Represent the School across the University and to external stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline or closely related field.
• Distinguished record of scholarship, research, and teaching consistent with an appointment at the rank of full professor.
• Academic leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding and supporting a collaborative research environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

APPLICATIONS:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of leadership philosophy, and contact information for at least three references.

The School of Biological Sciences is a dynamic, collegial unit with 30 members of the faculty and approximately 600 undergraduate and 45 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.). Louisiana Tech University has an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students and is located in Ruston, LA (population ~22,000) a vibrant college town with major airports and other metropolitan services located nearby in Monroe and Shreveport. For more information about the University, visit www.latech.edu.

Our university fosters a collaborative learning environment, promoting academic excellence for students and professional growth for faculty.

For questions, please contact Dr. Donna Hood at dhood@latech.edu.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Louisiana Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer and places a high priority on the creation of an environment supportive of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Posting Close Date: This position will remain open until filled.

Please Note: Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the Louisiana Tech University may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.