"Department Head, Neuroscience"

Department Head, Neuroscience

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, Arizona

Category: Other Science Faculty

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req22140

Department: Neuroscience

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Neuroscience in the College of Science at the University of Arizona is seeking a new Head of the Department as early as Jan 1, 2026. The successful candidate will have an established cutting-edge neuroscience research program and a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.

The Department's research mission embraces fundamental mechanisms underlying the development, function, maintenance, and evolution of nervous systems. The multidisciplinary and integrative approaches of our faculty cut across diverse species, a trait that sets us apart from many other neuroscience departments. The Department is home to two undergraduate programs - in Neuroscience and in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science - and is committed to the education of graduate students in the University-wide Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience. The Department emphasizes a culture of respect, trust, collegiality, and collaboration, and is strongly committed to advancing community both at the University and in neuroscience more generally.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

The new Head of the Department of Neuroscience will have the opportunity to lead in strengthening and expanding the role of neuroscience on campus and in the State of Arizona.

The Head is expected to:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to the Department in all areas of its mission,
• Provide guidance on issues including recruitment, retention, and career development, attract, mentor, and retain a cohort of the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and strengthen the undergraduate programs that highlight our strengths,
• Lead an active research program that has extramural support,
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching, curriculum, and program development,
• Demonstrate talent in consensus building, strategic planning, visioning, and innovation,
• Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills needed to be an effective leader,
• Maintain and foster an environment of excellence, respect, trust, collegiality, and collaboration, and advance the Department's record of research funding and reputation.

Minimum Qualifications

• A terminal degree [Ph.D. (or equivalent)] in neuroscience or a related field.
• Internationally recognized scholar in any of the sub-disciplines of neuroscience, as evident from high impact publications, citations, and funding record.
• Research expertise that is synergistic with that of current faculty.
• A proven track record of service and leadership at an academic organization.
• Experience in fundraising and development and/or experience working with budget models and various revenue sources is preferred.
• Experience in undergraduate teaching and curricular affairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders & audiences is preferred.

Rank: Full

Tenture Information: Tenured (T)

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Academic

Job Category: Faculty

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: DOE

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

For academic/position details questions, please contact: Dr. Haijiang Cai. haijiangcai@arizona.edu

For all other questions, please contact: Maria Valdes, Administrative Associate. mevaldes@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

Initial review of applications will begin by April 1, and continue until the position is filled. Only electronic applications will be accepted and should include: a cover letter summarizing experience, qualifications, and vision for this position; a curriculum vitae with a list of publications; a 1-page statement of leadership philosophy and experience. Please be prepared to suggest at least three references with full contact information, including email addresses, upon request (references will not be contacted without applicant's consent).