Department Head- Biology

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty staff technical service or student) please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Biology within the Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University University Park PA invites applications for a dynamic collaborative and visionary leader for the position of Department Head . Candidates should have demonstrated strong leadership skills qualifying them to play a key role in the continued advancement of the department along with a distinguished record of research teaching and mentorship.

The Department of Biology is a broad and intellectually diverse community recognized for excellence in research education and outreach. Its faculty staff postdoctoral scholars and students pursue discovery across scales of biological organization and a wide range of research areas. The Department takes particular pride in its collegial and collaborative culture respect for diverse areas of scholarship strong partnerships within and beyond the College and commitment to integrating excellence in research and Penn State Department of Biology is a vibrant academic community comprising 70 faculty members 33 postdoctoral researchers 90 graduate students and 20 staff members. Its undergraduate programs include majors in Biology and Neurobiology and minors in Biology and Marine Science with 1526 students enrolled across these programs. The department is recognized on both a national and international level for its teaching and research.

Biology serves as an important hub for the life sciences at Penn State with strong connections across the Eberly College of Science and the University. The Department of Biology works closely with several Penn State Institutes including the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences which creates opportunity to collaborate with other colleges including Engineering Medicine and Agricultural Sciences. The Department has a tradition of developing leaders fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and embracing innovation in research and education. Looking forward the Department seeks to build on existing areas of excellence while advancing emerging opportunities strengthening connections between research and teaching expanding experiential learning and undergraduate research and ensuring that undergraduate and graduate education remain responsive to a changing scientific landscape.

Position Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science the Department Head serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department and provides leadership for all aspects of its mission.

The successful candidate will:

• Articulate and advance a compelling vision for the Departments future while building alignment around strategic priorities.

• Sustain and strengthen a collegial collaborative culture that values the Departments breadth of research teaching outreach and service.

• Support faculty and staff success through effective mentoring professional development recognition of talent and strategic resource allocation.

• Strengthen areas of established research excellence while identifying and supporting emerging opportunities that enhance the Departments impact.

• Champion excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education including opportunities to strengthen connections between research and teaching and expand experiential learning and undergraduate research.

• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the College across Penn State and with external partners strengthening Biologys role as a hub for the life sciences at Penn State.

• Serve as a visible and effective advocate for the Department promoting its priorities with College and University leadership alumni donors and external stakeholders.

• Develop and manage budgets strategically while effectively administering personnel facilities and academic programs.

• Promote transparent communication shared governance and thoughtful decision-making informed by departmental expertise.

• Foster a welcoming and supportive environment in which faculty staff postdoctoral scholars and students can thrive and contribute to the Departments success.

The Department Head is expected to maintain an active and visible research program and continue contributing to the advancement of the discipline through scholarship mentorship and professional service.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess:

• Credentials sufficient for appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Biology.

• An earned doctorate in biology or a closely related field.

• A distinguished record of research scholarship teaching and mentorship.

• Demonstrated academic leadership and administrative experience with the ability to recognize challenges and opportunities and translate strategic priorities into action.

• Proven ability to strategically manage budgets personnel and organizational resources and balance diverse priorities and resource needs.

• Excellent written oral and interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to listen thoughtfully communicate transparently build trust and engage effectively with diverse audiences.

• Effectiveness in advocating for research education people facilities and institutional priorities.

• Sound judgment and the ability to address difficult issues constructively make thoughtful and timely decisions and lead effectively through change.

• An appreciation for the distinct and complementary contributions of research teaching mentoring outreach and service to the Departments mission.

Application Materials :

Applications should be submitted on the Penn State site and include a single PDF including all of the following:

• A two-page letter describing the applicants interest in the position qualifications leadership experience administrative accomplishments and vision for the future of the Department of Biology.
• Statement describing the candidates research program.

• A statement of leadership and management philosophy including examples of effective leadership team building faculty and staff development mentoring and strategic decision-making.

• A curriculum vitae.

Review of Applications :

Screening of applications will begin December 7 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1 2027.

Questions about the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee Mauricio Terrones ().

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional addition to comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity respect and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the universitys teaching research and service mission.