Professor and Department Head of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology

The Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology (MPIM) at the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine (VCOM) seeks to ll one (1) tenured position for a full time, 11-month appointment, with an anticipated start date in the summer or fall of 2027. Applications will be accepted at the rank of tenured Professor, commensurate with qualications, and will serve as the Department Head of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology.

Mission of the Department: The mission of the MPIM Department is to conduct cutting-edge research to improve human health and to educate the next generation of scientists and clinicians. MPIM has an outstanding track record of innovative scientific achievements in the areas of host-pathogen interactions, virology, bacteriology, and immunology. We are committed to growth in research and scholarship as indicated by sustained and increasing extramural funding and high-impact research.

Strengths of the Department: The MPIM Department offers access to modern research infrastructure, which features open lab design and state-of-the-art research facilities. The Department also houses a BSL-3 facility that accommodates multiple high-consequence pathogens. Additionally, there are excellent vivarium facilities on location, as well as a Laboratory Animal Resources and Research (LARR) facility that provides comprehensive support for in vivo research studies. The Department faculty, students, and staff are supported by updated core facilities, including a flow cytometry and sorting core, an integrated microscopy and imaging core, and a molecular genomics core. The Department is part of a larger research ecosystem within VCOM and other research-intensive Colleges at the University, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The Department enjoys a mix of established, mid-career and new investigators, and is committed to further strengthening the faculty cohort in several key research areas.

Chief Purpose of this Position: We are seeking a renowned scientist in microbial pathogenesis and/or immune responses to infectious agents to serve as Department Head to lead MPIM to future successes. This senior-level faculty position reports to the Dean of the Vashisht College of Medicine and has a key leadership role in this capacity. This individual will lead the department in all academic endeavors, collaborating with both the basic sciences, clinical partners, and other Texas A&M University colleges to oversee the department’s ambitious goals in research, education, and service, as well as manage a rich portfolio of both faculty and department resources.

We seek an individual with a demonstrated track record of academic leadership and expertise in host pathogen interactions, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, and/or immunology. Individuals working from an interdisciplinary perspective across these themes are especially encouraged to apply.

Position Responsibilities

1. Research: Collaborate with the faculty to define, develop, and implement a collective vision for the department that engages strategies to expand basic and translational research, and promote commercialization of research discoveries and faculty entrepreneurship.

2. Teaching: Advance the educational mission of the Department, in collaboration with leadership at the Vashisht College of Medicine and Texas A&M University. Facilitate, support, and advocate for the training of the next generation of scientists and physicians who will pioneer future discoveries in microbiology and immunology and deliver exceptional patient care. Champion continuous improvements in medical and graduate education.

3. Service: Provide vision and leadership to advance the reputation of the department, college, and university within the community, state, nation, and beyond. Serve on college and university committees, study sections, academic societies, and as journal editor and/or on editorial boards. Demonstrate a commitment to service within the community. Lead the department to develop and nurture relationships with alumni, donors, and key partners.

4. Administration/Leadership:

   1. Leadership: Guide a highly respected microbial pathogenesis and immunology department to the next level of academic excellence. Act as an exemplary role model. Be a highly visible, collaborative leader who supports University and College strategic goals in partnership with other department heads, College academic leaders, and University research leadership. Build a strong and impassioned collaborative vision with department faculty for achieving excellence in all aspects of the academic mission. Understand, appreciate, and prepare for current and future trends in the sciences and help develop a vision for the future of basic science research at the COM. Advocate for faculty and department needs in a highly matrixed academic environment, as a member of the college's leadership team. Nominate members of the department for various internal and external awards and to serve on national committees.

   2. Mentorship: Support an environment that mentors and develops all trainees and faculty at all levels (early career, mid-career, and senior). Commit to and actively participate in undergraduate medical and graduate education. Identify, recruit and retain the next generation of superior faculty members. Ensure a supportive atmosphere where research and career development are championed.

   3. Administrative and Financial Management: Effectively manage available resources to ensure departmental excellence in administrative processes and procedures. Prepare, oversee, and implement a MPIM departmental budget that encompasses all funding sources and ensures compliance with external grant, legislative, and institutional guidelines. Ensure ethical and fiscally responsible practices within the department.

The Vashisht College of Medicine’s expectations for holding a tenured position include eective graduate and/or medical classroom teaching; mentoring and supervision of graduate and/or medical students and post-doctoral trainees, particularly recruiting and mentoring of doctoral students, including MD/PhD students, and guiding them through graduation in a timely manner; establishment of a vigorous research program sustained through external funding; publication of peer-reviewed research articles that demonstrate impact; and providing service to Texas A&M University and the professional community.

Texas A&M University is one of the highest-ranked public universities in the nation, has a student population of over 80,000 from all 50 states and 124 countries, and is a top 20 research enterprise. Texas A&M University is one of only 24 institutions in the nation to hold the triple designation as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university. Bryan-College Station has over 275,000 residents, is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country, has a low cost of living, and is in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle.

Together, Texas A&M University and the College of Medicine are working to improve healthcare through transformative education, innovative research, and team-based care delivery.

Required

• PhD, MD, DVM or other equivalent degree(s) in a relevant area (e.g., Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pathology).
• Current academic rank of tenured Professor or equivalent.
• A distinguished record of outstanding scientific achievements, as evidenced by high-impact publications, sustained extramural research funding, and national and international recognition.
• Examples of successful collaborative academic leadership with demonstrated experience and leadership in education of both professional and graduate students.
• Examples of developing early career faculty and academic leaders with a reputation for excellence in mentorship of students and trainees.
• Demonstrated experience building or expanding a program, department, or group within an organization including experience identifying and recruiting faculty with broad expertise.
• Demonstrated managerial and business experience in and knowledge of the complex financial pressures facing academic departments.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, and proven ability to promote a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and navigate issues, think strategically, and put the department's needs before their own interests.
• Demonstrated experience working with and fostering an intellectually stimulating environment that supports all faculty, staff, and students, with a commitment to do so as a faculty member at Texas A&M University.

Preferred

• Proven track record of leadership by example with intent/desire to continue outstanding high impact research and teaching while serving in an administrative position.
• Experience with program project (e.g., P01), training (e.g., T32), and cooperative agreement (e.g. U01) grant writing and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clinicians on research and education endeavors.
• Outgoing and personable demeanor.