Position Function:
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) seeks an engaging leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences (DCBS). The Department Head is responsible for strategic direction and oversight of the activities of the faculty, staff, and graduate students in the DCBS. The DCBS represents scientific disciplines related to health of humans, animals, and the environment, including bacteriology, biochemistry/molecular biology, metabolomics, proteomics and genomics; immunology, parasitology, pharmacology, physiology, toxicology, virology, food safety, and biostatistics.
The DCBS is home to 18 faculty, 27 staff and 27 grad students who are engaged in research, teaching and service activities, with most faculty having a majority of their appointment focused on research. Research strengths of the department include environmental toxicology, represented by the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, aquaculture, infectious diseases, immunology, and bioanalytical chemistry. Noteworthy research activities of the department include NIH- and DoD-funded research to develop novel antidotes to neurotoxicants; the Farming for the Future Fish Innovation Lab, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (US-AID) to support research leading to development of sustainable aquaculture in Asia and Africa; and USDA-funded research to reveal the pathogenesis of emerging bacterial diseases of farmed fish, to develop vaccines and novel therapeutics to prevent infectious diseases of aquatic species and livestock, and to develop methods to prevent foodborne illnesses due to bacterial agents. The department is equipped with modern scientific equipment, including flow cytometers, mass spectrometers, fluorescent/confocal microscopes, a small animal imaging system, and lab animal/fish facilities.
In addition to research, faculty in the DCBS are involved in the management and delivery of the first two years of the veterinary curriculum, and members of the department play key roles in a program designed to provide veterinary students with a high-quality research experience in the summer. In addition, faculty in the department are actively involved in providing classes and training activities for graduate and post-doctoral students. The Head of DCBS reports to the Dean of the MSU-CVM and this is a twelve-month appointment. Incoming academic rank and tenure are based on credentials. Responsibilities include administration (50%), with the remainder being made up of professional/diagnostic service and teaching and/or research, dependent upon interest and expertise. The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of commitment to promoting faculty and student success, enhancing the department's reputation, and advancing departmental goals through dedicated leadership.
Salary Grade:
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
Comparative Biomedical Sciences
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 1, 2024
Tenure Track Status:
Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department Head is responsible for leading faculty and staff in the planning, development, and implementation of the DCBS strategic plan, through management of departmental resources, directing the search for new faculty hires as needed, and mentoring and evaluating departmental faculty and staff. The Department Head also serves as a member of the CVM Leadership Team, which engages in collaborative leadership. The Department Head must commit to building community and creating a positive work environment for all departmental personnel, and recruitment and retention of excellent faculty and staff is a priority for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
A PhD in a relevant field, with a track record of serving as principal investigator leading an extramurally funded research program, is required.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
No
Preferred Qualifications:
A DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from a recognized college of veterinary medicine is advantageous but not required. Experience conducting research related to the noted strengths of the department and/or One Health in a land grant institution is desired. Administrative experience managing and evaluating people working in a scientific and/or academic setting, are advantageous qualifications. Demonstrated commitment to fostering career development of junior faculty, postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students is highly desired.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for 3 references. Questions should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Amelia Woolums: amelia.woolums@msstate.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
