Biomedical Engineering Department Head (with Faculty Rank)

Description

The University of Minnesota (UMN) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department (BMED) in the College of Science and Engineering.

 

We seek a visionary and collaborative leader with a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service to guide the department to new heights of excellence. The successful candidate should possess strong leadership and management abilities, an interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty, and a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic and collaborative leader who will shape the future of our Department of Biomedical Engineering and contribute to the advancement of education and research at the University of Minnesota. Above all, we are seeking a colleague who will lead and contribute to our department's collaborative and collegial environment and share in our commitment to excellence.

About the Department

The UMN Biomedical Engineering Department (BMED) is a dynamic and interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing human health through education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. It is located on the Minneapolis campus where engineering departments and the school of medicine are directly adjacent to one another, promoting strong collaborative ties with medical faculty and providing access to cutting-edge clinical research facilities. The BMED has grown steadily over more than 20 years, with excellent records of scholarship, education, and service and seeks continued growth in these areas. 

 

The BMED ranks among the top biomedical engineering programs in the nation. There are 28 core faculty members and more than 80 faculty in the graduate program. The current research expenditure for the department is $14.4M/year. It is the home to about 160 declared undergraduates (juniors/seniors), 50 Master’s students, 130 PhD students, and over 1000 alumni from our undergraduate program.

 

As a part of the University of Minnesota, BMED has access to world-class centers and facilities such as the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Earl Bakken Medical Devices Center, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, Imaging Center, Masonic Cancer Center, Center for Immunology, Institute for Engineering and Medicine, and Center for Neuroengineering. 

 

Situated in the heart of the Twin Cities, the department is uniquely positioned within a thriving biomedical device and emerging biotechnology industry ecosystem, boasting over 600 biomedical companies in the region. This proximity offers exceptional opportunities for industry partnerships, technology transfer, and real-world impact through innovation.

About the Job

The Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term as Department Head is 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.

Departmental Leadership

• In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University;

• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for BMED faculty and staff and support a collaborative culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department;

• Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages;

• Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes;

• Promote and support high-impact research initiatives, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with external academic and industry partners;

• Raise funds from alumni and external partners in support of the department’s missions of teaching, research, and service.<