The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (PVM) invites applications for the position of Department Head Comparative Pathobiology. The department seeks a dynamic leader with creative vision and an outstanding record of research administration and teaching. Reporting to the Dean of Veterinary Medicine the successful applicant will work alongside talented faculty promote collaboration across disciplines and play a crucial role in shaping the future of veterinary and graduate education and research in the college. The position comes with several open faculty lines with an opportunity to shape the research and academic environment of the department.
Our faculty and staff educate professional and graduate students in pathology microbiology virology parasitology immunology toxicology epidemiology and animal welfare science. Collaborative and cutting-edge research in the department is broadly aligned with Purdues One Health initiative ( that addresses challenges at the intersection of veterinary human and environmental health. The department has a strong record of federal funding and innovative research in the areas ofantimicrobial resistance vaccine development host-pathogen interactions drug discovery epidemiology and animal welfare science.
Interdisciplinary collaborative research is supported and encouraged both within the department and the university. Many departmental faculty members play leading roles in Purdues interdisciplinary Life Sciences Institutes including the Purdue Institute of Inflammation Immunology and Infectious Diseases and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. The interdisciplinary Center for Animal Welfare Science and Center for the Human-Animal Bond are housed in the department.
Our faculty engage in diagnostic service through the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Clinical Pathology laboratory in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Pathology support for research projects is provided through the Histology Research Laboratory.
The Department of Comparative Pathobiology is one ofthree departments in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. TheCollege is home to thePurdue Veterinary Hospital and theIndiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Our college prides itself on its welcoming environment that values individuals who bring passion and vision to their work.
Leadership & Strategic Vision:
Provide dynamic and forward-thinking leadership in support of existing research programs and developing new growth areas;
Lead the recruitment mentoring and retention of high-achieving faculty;
Develop and implement strategic goals in alignment with the schools mission and long-term objectives. Advocate for the departments priorities and needs to internal and external stakeholders;
Promote an environment of collaboration academic excellence and innovation.
Departmental Administration:
Oversee day-to-day operations including managing the departments faculty staff and budget;
Ensure efficient faculty workload distribution and optimize teaching assignments.
Academic Leadership & Curriculum Development:
Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of a high-quality veterinary curriculum;
Lead periodic curriculum reviews ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and student needs;
Lead and support the department graduate program.
Support faculty and staff providing veterinary diagnostic services.
Hire mentor and evaluate faculty fostering a culture of professional growth and academic success;
Facilitate faculty success through targeted professional development and leadership opportunities;
Foster faculty professional development through mentoring evaluations and promotion and tenure processes.
A doctoral degree (DVM PhD or equivalent) in a field aligned with the research interests in the department;
An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and extramural funding commensurate with the rank of full professor at Purdue;
Proven leadership abilities in a DVM program or related field;
Commitment to excellence in professional and graduate education;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with dedication to building an inclusive and vibrant scientific community;
An inspiring vision for the department.
We encourage qualified candidates to submit application materials online at including a letter of application that describes qualifications for the position curriculum vitae names of three references and statement of administrative philosophy. Review of applications will begin January 20 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions should be directed to CPB Head Search Committee Department of Comparative Pathobiology Purdue University 725 Harrison Street West Lafayette IN 47907 or A background check is required for employment in this position.
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