The Department of Chemistry at Mississippi State University (MSU) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Department Head. The department is at a critical point in development and seeks an inspirational and dynamic leader to fully realize the potential of faculty, staff, and students.

The department, with over 150 undergraduates and over 80 graduate students, forms a critical component of science education and research across a thriving and entrepreneurial campus that values and supports interdisciplinary and collaborative studies. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the largest on campus, the position is a 12-month appointment charged with responsibilities for all departmental operations including fiscal and personnel management, academic scheduling, resource allocation, strategic planning, and fundraising. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience in leadership, will possess a distinguished record of research and teaching required for appointment at the rank of Full Professor, and will be expected to maintain contributions to the research and teaching missions of the department. We encourage applicants with bold approaches and new perspectives to academic administration, mentoring, research, and teaching.  

Located in the Hand Laboratory in the center of the MSU campus, the department has hired seven new faculty since 2017 and now totals 25. Faculty research covers all the core areas of chemistry including chemical education, as well as the interdisciplinary areas of biophysics, materials science, structural biology, and environmental science. Faculty are supported by external grants from a variety of agencies including NIH, NSF, DOE, and USDA, and six currently hold prestigious early career awards. In recent years, the department has expanded its research infrastructure through the acquisition of a high-resolution mass spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, 600 MHz, 500 MHz, and 300 MHz NMR, with an 800 MHz NMR unit currently being acquired through an NSF MRI award. The department grants B.A., B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and faculty and students have opportunities to collaborate widely across departments, colleges, and university Centers of Excellence. Additional information on the chemistry department is available at www.chemistry.msstate.edu

MSU is the leading research university in the state, a comprehensive Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) campus that serves more than 23,000 students. Known for its campus beauty and as the home of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, MSU is enhanced by robust relationships with the surrounding area and is further recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the strength of its community engagement. A founding member of the Southeastern Conference with a strong athletic heritage, MSU thrives on its land-grant mission to serve and inspire the people of Mississippi and is proud to be among the 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities that shelter a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Located in the growing city of Starkville, Mississippi’s College Town, we are situated within a short drive of more than 120,000 acres of state and federal natural areas, with abundant opportunities for recreation.

Applicants must apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu (search job 505017 under the Careers tab). Complete applications must include a cover letter, a CV, a statement of administrative experience and philosophy (2-page maximum), a statement of research and teaching expertise and goals (2-page maximum), a description of an action plan for promoting diversity, equity, and respect (2-page maximum), and contact information for five references. Screening of applications will begin November 14, 2022, but the position will remain open, and applications accepted, until filled. Informal inquiries may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Angus Dawe (dawe@biology.msstate.edu).

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building an inclusive community that reflects the diversity of our student population.