Department Head

Description

 The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications for the position of Department Head. The position is an 11-month appointment at the rank of Full Professor with tenure to begin July 1, 2025. We seek a dynamic and experienced administrator to provide the strategic vision to foster excellence in the research and educational missions of the department. The successful candidate should have a proven track record in academic administration, research, and teaching. The Head 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 the preeminent land-grant R1 institution. The Head manages the day-to-day operations of the department, including resource allocation, oversight of faculty development, support of the research enterprise of the department, and review of curriculum and program development with a focus on student success.

In addition to supporting the administrative staff and faculty, the Head is expected to maintain strong relations with alumni, industry partners, and governmental agencies that currently engage with the department on a regular basis. We seek an individual with a demonstrated ability to maintain a vigorous, innovative, and externally funded research program. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching excellence and must have experience supervising MS and PhD students. The successful candidate will support the learning needs of all our students.

About the Department

OSU MMG is a dynamic department of discovery, innovation, and collaboration. It includes 17 tenured and tenure-track faculty members and approximately 40 graduate students and 200 undergraduate majors. Our nationally funded research programs cover archaeal, bacterial, eukaryotic and viral systems and focus on microbial ecology, molecular pathogenesis, immunology, microbiome function, and cell biology. Research in the department is supported by state-of-the-art facilities for genomics and bioinformatics, high-performance computing, mass spectrometry, microscopy, protein analysis, biophysical instrumentation, and an animal/veterinary facility.

About the Institution

Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie Tier 1 research university, and the Stillwater campus is the flagship of the OSU system, with excellent facilities for research and instruction.

Stillwater, Oklahoma is rated one of the friendliest college towns in the nation and is a pleasant city with multiple parks, museums, and a growing arts and music scene. The town offers an exceptionally high quality of life—a thriving college community with a low cost of living. Stillwater is well served by a local airport, providing convenient worldwide connections through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Two major metropolitan areas (Tulsa and Oklahoma City) offer additional shopping, dining, and cultural activities, and each is located about an hour from Stillwater. Stillwater public schools and medical facilities are rated among the best in Oklahoma.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. 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, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.

 

 

 

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, or a closely related field and a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service that qualifies for a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor. The specialty for this position is open but should align with departmental strengths in the areas of environmental and applied microbiology, molecular pathogenesis, immunology, cell biology, or biophysics. Demonstrated experience in academic leadership combined with a strong record of research accomplishment is preferred. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with an ability to engage effectively with faculty, staff, university and college administration, students, and external stakeholders. The ability to bring together stakeholders from across the department’s constituencies and foster transdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department will be key to success.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit the following materials v