Job Title

Department Head & Associate or Full Professor - Biological & Environmental Sciences

Agency

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Department

College Of Science & Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents. 

• Use the Upload button to add each document.
• You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
• All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
• Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
• Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document, instead please email HR for help.

Please provide the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
• Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance of verbal offer). If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the prospective faculty member to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.

If you need assistance, please contact us at HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu

SUMMARY:

The College of Science and Engineering is seeking a transformational leader to head the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.  Position will serve as a full-time, 9-month, tenured position, at the Associate or Full Professor rank, as well as, serve as Department Head for Biological and Environmental Sciences with half-time teaching responsibilities. Position is responsible for developing a productive and collaborative atmosphere, mentoring faculty, developing an effective shared governance system, working effectively with the college dean and senior administration, building excellence in curriculum and coursework scheduling in collaboration with the department faculty, and initiating and sustaining an externally funded research program.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works collaboratively with faculty to build a positive culture and effective structures, policies and communications channels.
• Serves as the chief advocate for advancing the mission of the department, college and the institution.
• Assesses departmental performance and determines critical requirements for program practices and documentation.
• Leads best practice expectations for recruitment and retention of students, faculty success, alumni relations, securing and managing extramural funding, and other scholarly and fundraising initiatives.
• Promote and mentor the professional development of faculty within the academic department. Encourages and supports attendance at professional conferences, grant writing, academic and research publications, professional consulting, mentoring, and community engagement. Mentor’s faculty to success in achieving tenure and advancing through ranks. Maintains professional development and ongoing success of tenured faculty.
• Performs annual evaluations of faculty and staff. Develop annual performance plans outlining what each faculty or staff member will accomplish in the coming year
• Ensures that departmental course offerings optimize resources and are offered in a timely manner with adequate student input to ensure the smooth flow of student progress toward graduation.
• Exercises fiduciary responsibility on all departmental operating, special, and endowment accounts as well as fixed and consumable assets assigned to departmental programs. Monitors dedicated scholarships closely and ensures that awards are made in a timely fashion.
• Develops and improves departmental plan for curriculum development, review and revision. Utilizes course student assessments and input from faculty, program graduates, and external stakeholders/employers. Utilizes results from these assessments to identify and respond to areas of greater demand and to seek out new areas of strength.
• Oversee, in conjunction with program faculty and departmental staff, an effective and continuous student academic advising program for each academic program of study in the department. Monitors graduation rates, and ensures compliance with any relevant Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requirements, particularly, where appropriate, state-mandated core curriculum learning goals. Collaborates with departmental faculty to mentor new graduate students and ensure that any graduate assistants employed by the department, including those supported by extramural funds, receive appropriate training and mentoring to enable them to perform their job assignments professionally.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the dean, graduate school, the registrar, and institutional effectiveness.
• Oversees the assessment processes used for regional accreditation.
• Keeps faculty informed of institutional issues in a timely and transparent fashion and manages departmental student issues; the graduation process; employment of adjunct faculty and GAs; departmental and program marketing, including the departmental website; student internships; alumni records; departmental fund-raising initiatives; ordering of equipment and/or supplies; facility renovations; and the completion of various required reports.
• Serves on selected departmental, college and university committees.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Academic background commensurate with the rank of associate professor or higher. Proven records of College/University leadership experience, higher education teaching experience, and a commitment to shared governance and quality programs. 
• Ability to: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and students, as well as people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Ability to work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends as needed. Ability to travel.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Valid Driver’s license.
• Physical Requirements: None
• Other Requirements: None 

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

Higher education teaching and advising experience. Demonstrated experience with budgeting; curriculum / course design and implementation; procuring external funding; and distance education. Evidence of effective interaction with students, faculty, administration, and community and active participation in professional organizations. Familiarity with IACUC requirements and  best practices on animal care and use.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

Departmental faculty and staff.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.