Open until filled with review of applications to begin October 1, 2024
Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time, Benefit Eligible
Job Description
The Department of Biological Sciences at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) invites applications for the position of Kummer Endowed Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences to start Fall Semester of 2025. The Biology Department supports a comprehensive biology education through undergraduate programs in biology, environmental sciences, and biology education with a strong history of positioning graduates in the private sector, professional schools, doctoral programs and governmental positions. As the STEM-focused university of the University of Missouri system, Missouri S&T offers unique opportunities to lead impactful interdisciplinary collaborations.
The next Chair will lead the department through a dynamic period of growth and help establish the trajectory of expanding biology research and education across Missouri S&T. The department is launching a doctoral program in Fall 2024, continuing renovation of research and teaching facilities, and recalibrating research activity and resources for the pending transition to a Carnegie R1 research institution. This transition is intended to grow programs that address national and global challenges in human and environmental health sciences. In addition, the university is investing in biology-related research infrastructure across campus, including a doctoral program in bioengineering and an undergraduate biomedical engineering degree. To support the interdisciplinary focus of biology research, the university is planning a $120M building (Missouri S&T BioPlex) intended to integrate disciplines to address tomorrow’s biggest life and health science challenges.
Driving much of this investment is the Kummer Institute for Student Success, Research and Economic Development, established in October 2020 through a gift of $300 million from June and Fred Kummer, longtime benefactors of Missouri University of Science and Technology. The Institute is transforming Missouri S&T and the southcentral Missouri region by cultivating leadership and technological innovation; nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset; fostering expansion of academic-industry partnerships to directly address emerging needs of industry; and creating economic growth for the region. As part of that development, substantial annual funds from the Kummer endowment will be dedicated to investment in Biological Sciences departmental infrastructure and projects to raise the profile of the department nationally and internationally.
The Future Of The Department Of Biological Science Will Be Driven By Elevating Existing Capabilities And Expertise Coupled With New Investment In The Department And Adjacent Programs. Therefore, The Ideal Candidate Will Be Expected To Provide Effective Leadership That Will
Draw on administrative experience to guide the newly established doctoral research program with resources for additional faculty to enhance departmental programs.
Elevate existing research programs through mentorship, identifying opportunities, and strategic support.
Maintain historic strengths and grow programs in undergraduate education.
Encourage and develop interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial approaches on campus and fostering public-private partnerships.
Promote and advocate for the development of biology programs within a STEM-focused environment.
Oversee departmental input into the BioPlex.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in biological sciences or a related life science field and rank of full professor or be qualified for tenure and appointment to the rank of full professor
Preferred Qualifications
An outstanding record of scholarship evidenced by a strong record of publication and related funding as well as a clear and demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
Application Materials
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in biological sciences or a related life science field and rank of full professor or be qualified for tenure and appointment to the rank of full professor. They should have an outstanding record of scholarship evidenced by a strong record of publication and related funding as well as a clear and demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring of students. Successful candidates will also have demonstrated administrative experience in managing doctoral programs, research-center level programs, or other significant administrative experience. Interested candidates should electronically submit an application consisting of a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and complete information for three references to the Missouri University of Science and Technology's Human Resources Office at https://hr.mst.edu/careers/academic-employment/. The cover letter should discuss administrative experience, leadership philosophy, research achievements and goals, and teaching experience and goals. The three professional references should be sent to: Matt Thimgan (thimgan@mst.edu). Review of applications will begin October 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Community Information
University Information
Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the multicultural community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a diverse population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers.
KUMMER
Established in 2022, The Kummer College serves as a pathbreaking model for social impact, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a future-oriented STEM-focused university. Supported by the Kummer Institute Foundation at Missouri S&T, this unique college integrates key academic, co-curricular, and administrative activities related to technology commercialization, business innovation and entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and economic development. Within The Kummer College lives several departments: Department of Business and Information Technology (BIT), Department of Economics, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE), Kummer Student Programs and the Division of Technology Transfer and Economic Development (TTED).
CASE
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education is a catalyst of innovation, creativity, and discovery, where students and faculty work side-by-side to create and share knowledge and understanding. From arts and humanities to the natural and social sciences, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education has a program for everyone. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) is made up of eleven units including Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Arts, Languages and Philosophy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English and Technical Communication, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychological Science, and Education. The college is home to over 90 tenured/tenure-track and 44 non-tenure-track faculty members. CASE offers more than 85 different academic options including certificates, minors, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
About Rolla
Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university’s Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike. Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.
In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 573-341-4241.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research and Education
Industries
Higher Education and Research Services
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