"Department Head of Biology"

Job Details

The Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University seeks applications for the position of Department Head. The position is an 11-month appointment at the rank of advanced Associate or Full Professor with tenure to begin July 1, 2026.

Responsibilities:

We seek a dynamic and experienced administrator with clear strategic vision to advance excellence in the educational, research, and outreach mission of the department. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in academic leadership, administration, research, and teaching. The Head, assisted by an associate head and directors of graduate and undergraduate programs, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the department’s mission and for articulating a strategic vision for the department that aligns with the college and university’s mission as a 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, and support of the research enterprise. The Head is also expected to maintain and foster strong relations with alumni, community partners, and agencies. In addition, we seek an individual with a demonstrated ability to maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program who excels in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Required qualifications:

PhD in Biology or related field. Excellence in research and teaching commensurate with a Carnegie R1 institution.  Experience in academic leadership. Evidence of outreach activities.

Preferred qualifications:

Instructional experience including oversight of curricula. A vision for curricular advancement of a large program. Experience managing research teams and budgets at several scales. Leadership experience as evidenced by service in committees at various levels (e.g., departmental, college, university) or managing programs (e.g., undergraduate, graduate coordinator, associate chair). Outreach of research activities including transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside institutions.

About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University combines expertise from two traditionally strong departments, botany and zoology, into one cohesive unit committed to excellence in research, teaching, and outreach. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the department, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines to build a dynamic vision for biological sciences at OSU. The department includes ~40 faculty, numerous adjunct and emeritus members, >80 graduate students, and over 900 undergraduates majoring in biology, plant biology, zoology, and physiology. Many of these undergraduates are in pre-health or pre-veterinary options. The department has a committee structure for management of various departmental matters. For more information about our department, please see our website (//cas.okstate.edu/biology/).

About Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie Tier 1 research institution with a 130-year legacy as one of the nation's premier land-grant universities. The Stillwater campus serves as the flagship of the OSU system which serves over 34,000 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 nation's friendliest college towns. This vibrant community of approximately 50,000 offers an exceptional quality of life with a cost of living well below the national average—including 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 City—each about an hour away—offer 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.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter outlining qualifications and compatibility for the position and department
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of leadership philosophy, management experience, including a vision to bring together stakeholders from across the department to foster transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department. (1-2 pages)
4. Research statement, with fit of their research program in departmental context, and vision for the research mission of the department. (1-2 pages)
5. Teaching statement, including a vision for curricular advancement of a large undergraduate program. (1-2 pages)
6. Contact information for three professional references.

Candidates should address how they promote opportunities for all students in their statements. Screening of candidates will begin on December 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Dr. Jay Schweig (jay.schweig@okstate.edu). This position is contingent upon available funding.

OSU is an AA/EEO/E-Verify Employer

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.