Professor and Head - Plant and Microbial Biology

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology within the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities invites applications for the position of Professor and Head to start fall 2025. Our mission is to conduct fundamental research and provide education in plant and microbial biology. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader with an outstanding record of research, teaching and mentoring, and service. The Department evolved into its current form in 2016 to embrace multiple biological models; the incoming head is expected to continue shaping this new vision. The ideal candidate should be a supportive colleague committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within a diverse department, bringing people together to identify new opportunities, and advancing the department's mission.

Key responsibilities of the Department Head include:

• Developing departmental goals, budget priorities, and allocations
• Guiding strategic visioning to enhance the department
• Formulating recommendations for hiring, mentoring, awards, tenure, promotion, retention, and evaluation of faculty and departmental support staff
• Assigning teaching in coordination with the College and Directors of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies
• Supporting an equitable and inclusive department culture
• Fostering an atmosphere of collegiality and belonging for all department members
• Partnering with the University of Minnesota Foundation and collegiate leaders to cultivate philanthropic opportunities for faculty and learners in the department
• Representing the department on the Dean's academic leadership team and in college forums

The Department Head will also be expected to continue making scholarly contributions to their discipline, and to provide teaching and service to CBS and the University where appropriate. The apportionment of duties for this position is anticipated to be 50% administration and service, 40% research, and 10% teaching. The department head will be evaluated annually by the Dean. The appointment is expected to be for a period of five years with potential for renewal. During the appointment, the department head will receive salary augmentation, summer salary, and support for research.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant biological discipline
• An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and a history of extramurally funded research commensurate with the rank of full professor
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple, diverse audiences
• A deep understanding of the current funding climate and its challenges and opportunities
• A strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate education
• Dedication to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and transparency
• Track record of interacting creatively, collaboratively, and productively with faculty, staff, and students
• A demonstrated interest and experience in academic leadership

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB) is the academic home for a diverse and integrative group of scientists who study the biology of plants, fungi, and microbes across scales. The department is home to 24 faculty, the PMB undergraduate major, and the PMB graduate program. The department houses the Chlamydomonas Resource Center and Conservatory and Botanical Collection, and also has close ties to two CBS biological field stations and the Bell Museum. Many of our faculty are members of the adjoining BioTechnology Institute, the Center for Precision Plant Genomics, and the Institute on the Environment, as well as programs associated with the Medical School and College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Sciences. We leverage outstanding facilities in our research, including the University Imaging Centers, Genomics Center, Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics, Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, and Plant Growth Facilities and Greenhouses.

Founded in 1965, the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is one of only a few colleges nationwide that focuses exclusively on biological sciences. CBS includes roughly 150 faculty with expertise across all areas of biology - from molecules to ecosystems - who work to advance the University's discovery mission and to provide strong educational programs to undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students. CBS enrolls over 2,300 undergraduate students and 280 graduate students across eight undergraduate majors and six graduate programs. Additionally, the College has over 200 staff and 60 postdocs. CBS promotes collaborative research within and beyond the University to advance knowledge and find solutions that improve human health and the environment locally, nationally, and globally.

Pay Range: $135,000 - $160,000 for 9-month; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please submit an application with a cover letter no longer than two pages summarizing your leadership philosophy and your qualifications for the position of Professor and Head of a dynamic interdisciplinary department. Also required are a full curriculum vitae and names of three references who could be contacted after initial interviews are conducted remotely. Review of applications will begin on January 22, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions should be directed to the PMB Head Search Committee at cbsdeans@umn.edu Attention: PMB Head Search Committee.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).