What are the responsibilities and job description for the Department Head of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics position at Oklahoma State University?
The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications for the position of Department Head. The position is an 11-month appointment at the rank of Full Professor with tenure to begin July 1, 2025. We seek a dynamic and experienced administrator to provide the strategic vision to foster excellence in the research and educational missions of the department. The successful candidate should have a proven track record in academic administration, research, and teaching. The Head is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the department’s mission and for articulating a strategic vision for the department that aligns with the college and university’s mission as the preeminent land-grant R1 institution. The Head manages the day-to-day operations of the department, including resource allocation, oversight of faculty development, support of the research enterprise of the department, and review of curriculum and program development with a focus on student success.
In addition to supporting the administrative staff and faculty, the Head is expected to maintain strong relations with alumni, industry partners, and governmental agencies that currently engage with the department on a regular basis. We seek an individual with a demonstrated ability to maintain a vigorous, innovative, and externally funded research program. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence and must have experience supervising MS and PhD students. The successful candidate will support the learning needs of all our students.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, or a closely related field and a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service that qualifies for a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor. The specialty for this position is open but should align with departmental strengths in the areas of environmental and applied microbiology, molecular pathogenesis, immunology, cell biology, or biophysics. Demonstrated experience in academic leadership combined with a strong record of research accomplishment is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with an ability to engage effectively with faculty, staff, university and college administration, students, and external stakeholders. The ability to bring together stakeholders from across the department’s constituencies and foster transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department will be key to success.
Application Instructions
Candidates should submit the following materials via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/158529
In addition to supporting the administrative staff and faculty, the Head is expected to maintain strong relations with alumni, industry partners, and governmental agencies that currently engage with the department on a regular basis. We seek an individual with a demonstrated ability to maintain a vigorous, innovative, and externally funded research program. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence and must have experience supervising MS and PhD students. The successful candidate will support the learning needs of all our students.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, or a closely related field and a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service that qualifies for a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor. The specialty for this position is open but should align with departmental strengths in the areas of environmental and applied microbiology, molecular pathogenesis, immunology, cell biology, or biophysics. Demonstrated experience in academic leadership combined with a strong record of research accomplishment is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with an ability to engage effectively with faculty, staff, university and college administration, students, and external stakeholders. The ability to bring together stakeholders from across the department’s constituencies and foster transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department will be key to success.
Application Instructions
Candidates should submit the following materials via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/158529
- A cover letter outlining their qualifications and vision for the department
- A current curriculum vitae
- Leadership and management philosophy, including the applicant’s leadership vision for the department (1-2 pages)
- Research statement, including a brief description of how the applicant’s research will interface with that of the department’s faculty (1-2 pages)
- Teaching statement (1-2 pages)
- Contact information for at least three professional references.
