Chair of Biology

Description of Job Duty:

Essential 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:

Special Instructions:

Applicants must apply online at http://www.tntech.edu/jobs 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 mallen@tntech.edu.

Salary:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Educational Requirements

Ph.D in biology, wildlife/fisheries or closely related field, with at least 18 graduate credit
hours in the teaching discipline.

Other Required Qualifications

Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including a well-developed
sense of fairness and integrity.
A record of effective teaching and scholarly activity within the candidate's area of
specialization, and the ability to foster academic excellence.
Experience and documented achievements appropriate for consideration of a tenured
appointment 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 academic
leadership 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.