University of Missouri
DIRECTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESThe University of Missouri (MU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of the Division of Biological Sciences
(DBS). DBS is housed in the College of Arts and Science, the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus, and the Director
will report to the Dean.
The new Director will have the opportunity to lead an established and vibrant biological sciences Division with a strong and successful
commitment to research, undergraduate and graduate education, and outreach to the broader community. We seek an individual who will
support and contribute to the Division’s strategic vision that builds on its demonstrated strengths in research, teaching, and commitment
to inclusive excellence.
The Director is responsible for all aspects of the Division. We seek a dynamic individual who will provide vision, leadership, and
guidance for academic and research programs; recruit high-caliber faculty, students and staff; develop resources to strengthen the long-
term viability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Division’s research and teaching programs; promote collaborative research within the
Division and across MU; lead inclusion and diversity efforts within the Division; administer the Division’s budget; collaborate with the
dean on fundraising; be an advocate for the department; and mentor faculty at different stages of their careers.
The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate in an appropriate discipline.
In addition, the ideal candidate would have a record that could include:
- An established record of excellence in research and teaching in an area that complements departmental strengths
- Program leadership
- Experience with strategic planning, budgetary responsibilities and human resources
- Promoting intra- and inter-departmental collaboration
- Working cooperatively with faculty with a transparent, approachable leadership style respectful of the principles of shared
governance - Experience with alumni and donor relations
- Understanding of the dual missions of a Land Grant and AAU Research 1 university
- Experience advancing inclusion and diversity for faculty, staff and students
- Leading graduate and undergraduate training programs
- Familiarity with national trends in undergraduate and graduate education
- Be qualified for tenure at the rank of professor at MU.
The Division of Biological Sciences at MU is noted for its excellence in research and teaching. We are distinctive in the breadth and
depth of our research and the integrative approaches we take to fundamental problems in biology, ranging from genomes to ecosystems,
using a diversity of organisms. We share faculty with an interdisciplinary Life Sciences Center as well as with the Donald Danforth
Plant Sciences Center in St. Louis; are active research partners with faculty in engineering, veterinary medicine, agriculture and natural
resources, as well as with research scientists from state and federal agencies, including the Missouri Department of Conservation, the
USGS, and USDA-ARS; and are active members of various interdisciplinary academic programs and groups, including the Interdisciplinary
Plant Group, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, the Genetics Area Program, the MU Informatics Institute, the Missouri Maize
Center, and the Evolution and Social Sciences Group.
Our faculty members are internationally known researchers and prize-winning teachers and include a Nobel Laureate, a NationalAcademy
of Sciences member, a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers recipient, 6 AAAS Fellows, and multiple members
of disciplinary societies and honorary organizations.
Our undergraduate major attracts a large (~1100 majors), diverse (12% URM), and talented pool of students, including those interested
in graduate, medical and other professional schools. Our graduate program is also vibrant and diverse (22% URM). All of our graduate
students receive a competitive stipend, health insurance, and tuition.
Additional information about the Division can found at biology.missouri.edu.
Please apply online athttps://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic. Use the online application and be prepared to upload (compiled
into a single PDF) a detailed curriculum vitae; cover letter summarizing your experience in higher education; a description of research
plans and teaching interests; a diversity statement describing your professional experience advancing inclusion within an academic setting;
and the names and contact information of three referees willing to write a letter if solicited. Applicants should contact the chair of the
search committee ([email protected]) with questions about the position and MU Human Resource Services (muhrs@
missouri.edu) with questions about the online application process.
Review of application materials will beginOctober 1, 2019. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete by this date.
The position will remain open until filled.
An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affrmative Action/Pro-disabled and Veteran Employer.online @sciencecareers.org