Chair of Biology

Job-ID: 26104Location: Cookeville, TN, United StatesPosted: 2026-11-11Screening Date:: 2027-01-13Description of Job Duty:Tennessee Tech University seeks a chair for the Department of Biology. The position is a12-month on-campus appointment (9-month faculty appointment with a 3-month summer stipend) reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. The department chair provides leadership for the department and works collaboratively with the faculty to meet the academic needs of students and foster excellence in programs, instruction, scholarly activity, and service. The department chair must have the ability to effectively manage course scheduling, budgets, personnel, and facilities; lead curriculum development; and carry out other department leadership functions, in addition to performing other duties as assigned. The chair supervises all employees in the department and administers yearly performance evaluations. The chair assesses and recommends faculty candidates for vacant positions and makes recommendations regarding faculty reappointment, tenure, and promotion. With an enrollment of over 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech, located in Cookeville, Tennessee, offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in multiple disciplines, including a new PhD program in Integrative Biology. The Department of Biology has over 25 faculty with expertise in fields including conservation biology, natural resources management, physiology, wildlife science, microbiology, and molecular genetics. It is the largest department within the College of Arts and Sciences with over 550 undergraduate majors and over 30 graduate students and is expected to grow. For more information, please see . Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Educational RequirementsPh.D in biology, wildlife/fisheries or closely related field, with at least 18 graduate credithours in the teaching discipline.Other Required QualificationsExcellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including a well-developedsense of fairness and integrity.A record of effective teaching and scholarly activity within the candidate's area ofspecialization, and the ability to foster academic excellence.Experience and documented achievements appropriate for consideration of a tenuredappointment at the rank of Full Professor or advanced associate professor near promotion.Administrative leadership experience that includes responsibilities such as supervision,budgeting, and/or strategic planning.Preferred qualifications:Experience serving as an academic department chair, or a record of success in academicleadership at the program level or higher.Ten (10) or more years of teaching experience at the university level.Demonstrated evidence of significant involvement in curricular development, implementation, and assessment.Experience integrating high-impact, engaging pedagogies into the curriculum.Successful experience with personnel management.Experience with student, faculty, and staff evaluation, recruitment, and retention.ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions:Department Chair, Supervision, and Administration -Implement the department's mission, including short- and long-term plans, based on the University's Vision Statement and Goals and the mission of the Department and College. Supervise all employees in the department and administer annual performance evaluations.In collaboration with department faculty, recruit, orient, mentor, and advise students, staff, and faculty; assess and recommend faculty candidates for vacant positions.Administer faculty and staff development programs; make recommendations regarding faculty reappointment, tenure, and promotion; and handle personnel matters.Staff and schedule classes in collaboration with department faculty.Schedule and administer timely department meetings. Manage and coordinate department committees.Serve as the department's representative and liaison with other University offices and departments.Program Management & Academic Quality -Participate in program review for evaluation of existing degrees, accreditation, certification, and other academic programs.Develop new programs and implement improved programs to enhance the quality of instruction and research.Manage department and college facilities and equipment in a manner that promotes quality learning in classrooms and laboratories.Budgeting & Student Advising -Collaborate with department faculty to plan and administer the departmental budget.Support graduates in their efforts to secure employment or gain admission to graduate or professional schools.Faculty Teaching and Service -Workload during the academic year of at least 50% administrative duties.Serve on elected and appointed committees and accept other duties as assigned by the Dean.Other Duties and Responsibilities -Maintain and develop public and alumni relations.Collaborate with University Advancement and the Dean's office on fundraising and donor cultivation initiatives.Maintain full knowledge and understanding of relevant university policies, rules, and procedures to guide faculty on decision-making, policy, budget/spending, and the tenure and promotion process.Other duties as assigned.Physical Demands:Those typical to an office/classroom environment.Special Instructions:Applicants must apply online at and electronically upload the following documents: Cover Letter addressing the position description and qualifications Curriculum Vitae Statement of Leadership Philosophy Statement of Teaching Philosophy Statement of Research Interests Unofficial transcripts (with official transcripts required upon hire) One publication representative of your research focus Names and contact information of three professional references All application materials must be received by January 13, 2027. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The search remains open until the position is filled.Applicants must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this role.Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Michael Allen, Biology Chair Search Committee, PO Box 5054, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505 or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io:Commensurate with education and experience.Benefits Information:Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position with a summer stipend.