Department Head

Job SummaryHead of The Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyCollege of Pharmacy | Purdue UniversityThe Purdue University College of Pharmacy is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Full Professor and Head of the Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. The Department, one of three within the College, is known internationally for its academic rigor and for its research on problems relevant to drug discovery and mechanisms of drug action. The Department’s research activities are categorized in seven focus areas: medicinal chemistry and chemical biology; cancer research; molecular and cellular biology; molecular pharmacology; neuropharmacology; biophysical and computational chemistry; and systems biology and functional genomics. Extensive opportunities for collaboration also exist within a vibrant community of scientists in the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Science, and Veterinary Medicine. The Department is highly engaged in collaborative research initiatives led by the Life Sciences Institutes, including the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery (PIDD) and the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to further develop, shape, and strengthen the Department by making efforts to fill faculty vacancies at both senior and junior levels. Position DescriptionCandidates will: (i) provide sound fiscal management of the Department, which includes participation in annual fiscal planning and budgetary processes; (ii) provide leadership and vision in the development of a Departmental strategic plan that addresses the Department’s learning, discovery, and engagement roles in the rapidly changing research environment; (iii) ensure that faculty, particularly new faculty, have the mentoring and support necessary for their success; (iv) provide leadership in, and develop collegial processes for, recruiting and hiring new faculty; (v) work closely with the Dean, the Dean’s administrative staff, and the heads of other departments in advancing the missions of the Department and the College; (vi) foster, support, and participate in the research activities of the Department, the goal of which is to generate new knowledge. The Department Head will encourage, enhance, and actively work to develop interdisciplinary activities that advance the Departmental mission; (vii) the Department Head will have responsibility for, and will be an effective steward of, the Department’s graduate courses and effective mentoring of graduate students in the Ph.D. program, teaching in didactic graduate courses as appropriate to Department needs and candidate expertise, at a level not to exceed 3 credit hours per semester or the equivalent; and (vii) in addition the Department Head will teach in the undergraduate and professional courses offered by the Department, which currently encompass the education and training of students in the Pharm.D. and B.S.P.S. programs, again as appropriate to Department needs and candidate expertise and at a level not to exceed 3 credit hours per semester or the equivalent, and providing enthusiastic leadership and support of these programs. Appointment to an Endowed Chair will be considered for appropriately qualified candidates. Position description and application ExperienceThe College is seeking candidates who possess an earned doctorate in a relevant discipline, which includes, but is not limited to, Pharmacology or Medicinal Chemistry. Candidates should also have an outstanding record of (i) research productivity, with funding in the form of peer-reviewed extramural research grants and/or contracts; (ii) teaching at the professional, graduate and/or undergraduate levels; (iii) engagement in interdisciplinary research initiatives; (iv) productive academic leadership; and (v) institutional and extramural service. Prior administrative experience is desirable but not required. How to applyApplications should consist of 1) a letter describing interest, vision and goals for the department, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) the names and contact information of at least three references. These materials should be submitted electronically at If you have questions regarding the search process or about uploading documents, please contact: Barb Mullenberg at View email address on click.appcast.io. For technical assistance, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io The review of applications will commence on October 1st and will continue until the position is filled. Applications will be held in confidence until the interview phase of the process, and applicants’ permission to contact references is obtained.A background check is required for employment in this position.Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.