Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Applications are invited for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University. This is a full-time, tenure-upon-hire, 9-month faculty appointment with an administrative stipend equivalent to two months of summer salary (11-months total). This position has research and service in the form of administrative appointment expecations, percentages to be discussed. The Department Head will receive funding for a 12-month postdoctoral scientist position to support ongoing research activities upon approval of a Hatch project.  Candidates with ongoing active research programs, interest in continuing active scholarship, and experience in academic administration are encouraged to apply. 

As the chief administrative officer of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the Department Head will provide strategic leadership for the department’s teaching, research, and service missions. The Head will be responsible for recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding faculty, staff, and students; enhancing the department’s national and international reputation; fostering productive partnerships; and promoting transparent, collaborative, and effective departmental governance.

Candidates for the Professor and Department Head position must hold a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or a closely related field and have a distinguished record of achievement in research, teaching, and service that qualifies them for appointment as a tenured professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, university administrators, governmental agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Experience in securing external funding and developing programs that support research, teaching, and outreach initiatives is highly desirable.

The successful candidate should have a track record of meaningful experience in, and an appreciation for the intricacies of, effective faculty recruitment. The successful candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary academic environment that supports the success of faculty, staff, and students. The Department Head reports directly to the Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Texas A&M University is one of the nation’s premier public research institutions, enrolling more than 74,000 students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. Supported by an endowment exceeding $20 billion, Texas A&M is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States and is recognized as a leading research university with annual research expenditures exceeding $1.3 billion.

Located in the Bryan–College Station metropolitan area, a thriving community of more than 285,000 residents, Texas A&M offers an exceptional quality of life with a relatively low cost of living, excellent schools, and a welcoming atmosphere. The region provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas, including Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. As home to the Aggies, the community enjoys a rich tradition of collegiate athletics and school spirit, with nationally recognized NCAA Division I programs and a vibrant campus culture that fosters engagement, innovation, and lifelong connections.

Candidates for the Professor and Department Head position must hold a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or a closely related field and a distinguished record of achievement in research, teaching, and service that qualifies them for appointment as a tenured professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, university administrators, governmental agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have an internationally recognized research program, a demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and academic administrative experience. 

The Search Committee is particularly interested in a candidates’ administrative philosophy and vision for the Department, including education, faculty mentoring, interdisciplinary research programs, and a strategies for development and fundraising.

Qualified applicants should submit the following: 1) a Cover Letter; 2) a detailed Curriculum Vitae; 3) a Personal Statement, including administrative philosophy and plans for research, teaching and service; 4) Department Head Vision Statement that addresses their vision for the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, education and the profession, leadership philosophy, and administrative experience and 5) Names and Contact Information of three Professional References. Applications must be uploaded via Interfolio.

Application review will begin on October 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for the position is August 1, 2027, or as mutually agreed.

Texas A&M University has retained Randy Woodson and Charles Kaler of CSA Search & Consulting to assist with this Head search. Additional information about the position and department is available on the Search Website. Confidential inquiries and nominations may be sent to View email address on nature.com.

For questions regarding the submission of application materials via Interfolio, please contact Dawn Miles at View email address on nature.com . For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Mary Katherine “Katy” Gonder, Search Committee Chair, at View email address on nature.com .