Application DateWhile applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by November 30 2025 to ensure full consideration.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants are asked to submit the following materials:
1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and vision for the department.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. Leadership and management philosophy including the applicants leadership vision for the department (1-2 pages).
4. Research statement including a brief description of how the applicants research will interface with that of the departments faculty (1-2 pages).
5. Contact information for at least three professional references.
Screening of candidates will begin on November 30 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. More information about the Department can be found at Inquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Jason Belden ().
About this Position
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 advanced Associate Professor or Full Professor with tenure to begin July 1 2026. We seek a dynamic leader and distinguished researcher who will foster excellence in the research educational and service missions of the department. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in leadership a strong research background with demonstrated success in securing extramural funding and commitment to instruction and program development. The Head 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 the 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; support of the research enterprise of the department; and review of curriculum and program development with a focus on student success.
In addition to leading the administrative staff and supporting faculty research and educational endeavors while maintaining scholarly activity 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. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence and should have experience supervising M.S. and Ph.D. students.
About the Department
OSU MMG is a dynamic department of discovery innovation and collaboration. It includes 16 tenured and tenure-track faculty members and 34 graduate students and 149 undergraduate majors. Our nationally funded research programs cover archaeal bacterial eukaryotic and viral systems and focus on environmental microbiology and microbial ecology molecular pathogenesis immunology virology microbiome function and cell biology. Our faculty actively collaborate with colleagues across other departments and colleges at OSU. Research in the department is supported by state-of-the-art facilities for genomics and bioinformatics high-performance computing mass spectrometry microscopy protein analysis biophysical instrumentation and an animal/veterinary facility.
About the Institution
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 Microbiology Immunology or a closely related field.
- A distinguished record of research teaching and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of advanced Associate Professor or Full Professor with tenure.
- Demonstrated experience in academic leadership
- The research 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.
- Skills Proficiencies and/or Knowledge:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential with an ability to engage effectively with faculty staff university and college administration students and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications