Department Head of Biology

Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Dr. Jay Schweig

Work Schedule

TBD

Appointment Length

11 months

Hiring Range

$150000 - $200000

Salary

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by December 1 2025 to ensure full consideration.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter outlining qualifications and compatibility for the position and department.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of leadership philosophy management experience including a vision to bring together stakeholders from across the department to foster transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department (1-2 pages).
4. Research statement with fit of their research program in departmental context and vision for the research mission of the department (1-2 pages).
5. Teaching statement including a vision for curricular advancement of a large undergraduate program (1-2 pages).
6. Contact information for three professional references.

Candidates should address how they promote opportunities for all students in their statements. Screening of candidates will begin on December 1 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Dr. Jay Schweig ().

About this Position

Department Head of Biology

The Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University seeks applications for the position of Department Head. The position is an 11-month appointment at the rank of advanced Associate or Full Professor with tenure to begin July 1 2026.

Responsibilities:

We seek a dynamic and experienced administrator with clear strategic vision to advance excellence in the educational research and outreach mission of the department. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in academic leadership administration research and teaching. The Head assisted by an associate head and directors of graduate and undergraduate programs is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the departments mission and for articulating a strategic vision for the department that aligns with the college and universitys mission as a preeminent land-grant R1 institution. The Head manages the day-to-day operations of the department including resource allocation and fiscal management oversight of faculty development and support of the research enterprise. The Head is also expected to maintain and foster strong relations with alumni community partners and addition we seek an individual with a demonstrated ability to maintain a vigorous externally funded research program who excels in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University combines expertise from two traditionally strong departments botany and zoology into one cohesive unit committed to excellence in research teaching and outreach. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the department fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines to build a dynamic vision for biological sciences at OSU. The department includes approximately 40 faculty numerous adjunct and emeritus members at least 80 graduate students and over 900 undergraduates majoring in biology plant biology zoology and physiology. Many of these undergraduates are in pre-health or pre-veterinary options. The department has a committee structure for management of various departmental matters. For more information about our department please see our website ( Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie Tier 1 research institution with a 130-year legacy as one of the nations premier land-grant universities. The Stillwater campus serves as the flagship of the OSU system which serves over 34000 students and offers state-of-the-art facilities for research and instruction. The College of Arts and Sciences boasts exceptional strengths across the sciences social sciences and arts and humanities complemented by institutional excellence in engineering agriculture and business.

Stillwater consistently ranks among the best places to live in America recently featured in Money Magazine and is celebrated as one of the nations friendliest college towns. This vibrant community of approximately 50000 offers an exceptional quality of life with a cost of living well below the national averageincluding housing costs at roughly 80% of the national median. Residents enjoy a thriving arts and music scene anchored by the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts numerous parks and museums top-rated public schools and excellent medical facilities.

Connectivity is exceptional: Stillwater Regional Airport provides convenient access through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport while the dynamic metropolitan areas of Tulsa and Oklahoma Cityeach about an hour awayoffer expanded cultural dining and entertainment options. With gigabit internet widely available Stillwater combines small-town charm with modern amenities creating an ideal environment for both professional achievement and personal fulfillment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or related field.
  • Excellence in research and teaching commensurate with a Carnegie R1 institution.
  • Experience in academic leadership.
  • Evidence of outreach activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Instructional experience including oversight of curricula.
• Experience managing research teams and budgets at several scales.
• Leadership experience as evidenced by service in committees at various levels (e.g. departmental college university) or managing programs (e.g. undergraduate graduate coordinator associate chair).
• Outreach of research activities including transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside institutions.

• Skills Proficiencies and/or Knowledge:

  A vision for curricular advancement of a large program.