Position Summary
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (PVM) invites applications for the position of Department Head, Comparative Pathobiology. We seek a dynamic and visionary academic leader with an outstanding record of research, administration, and teaching to lead one of the College’s core departments.
Reporting to the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, the successful candidate will work alongside a highly accomplished faculty, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and play a central role in shaping the future of veterinary and graduate education and research. The position includes multiple open faculty lines, offering a unique opportunity to influence the department’s research direction, academic culture, and long-term growth.
Department of Comparative Pathobiology
The Department of Comparative Pathobiology educates professional and graduate students across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Animal Welfare Science
The department’s research portfolio is strongly aligned with Purdue’s One Health initiative, addressing challenges at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. Faculty maintain a robust record of federal funding and conduct innovative research in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, host–pathogen interactions, drug discovery, epidemiology, and animal welfare science.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is a defining strength. Faculty play leadership roles in Purdue’s Life Sciences Institutes, including the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. The department also houses the Center for Animal Welfare Science and the Center for the Human–Animal Bond.
Faculty contribute to diagnostic service through the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, with research pathology support provided by the Histology Research Laboratory.
College of Veterinary Medicine
The Department of Comparative Pathobiology is one of three departments within Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The College is home to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and is known for its welcoming, collaborative culture that values innovation, leadership, and service.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Vision
- Provide forward-thinking leadership that sustains existing research strengths and develops new areas of growth
- Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty
- Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the College’s mission and long-term objectives
- Advocate for departmental priorities with internal and external stakeholders
- Foster a culture of collaboration, academic excellence, and innovation
Departmental Administration
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including management of faculty, staff, and departmental budgets
- Ensure equitable and effective faculty workload distribution and optimize teaching assignments
Academic Leadership and Curriculum
- Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of a high-quality veterinary curriculum
- Lead periodic curriculum review processes in alignment with accreditation standards and evolving educational needs
- Lead and support the department’s graduate programs
- Support faculty and staff engaged in veterinary diagnostic services
Faculty Development and Recruitment
- Hire, mentor, and evaluate faculty, supporting professional growth and academic success
- Guide promotion and tenure processes
- Facilitate leadership development and mentoring initiatives
Required Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- A doctoral degree (DVM, PhD, or equivalent) in a field aligned with the department’s research areas
- An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and extramural funding consistent with appointment as a Full Professor at Purdue University
- Demonstrated leadership experience within a DVM program or closely related academic environment
- A strong commitment to excellence in professional and graduate education
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a dedication to building an inclusive academic community
- A compelling and inspiring vision for the future of the department
Application Process
Applications should be submitted online at:
https://vet.purdue.edu/about/careers.php
Required materials include:
- A letter of application describing qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three references
- A statement of administrative philosophy
Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions may be directed to:
CPB Head Search Committee
Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Purdue University
725 Harrison Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
A background check is required as a condition of employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
Posting Start Date: December 18, 2025