Director of the Biotechnology Program

James Madison University invites applications for a full-time director for its Biotechnology Program in Academic Year 2021-2022. The primary duty of the Biotechnology Director is to foster an environment where biotechnology majors can gain the skills and experience needed to have productive careers in biotechnology.

The Biotechnology Program offers a B.S. degree in Biotechnology with a current enrollment of over 100 majors. In order to prepare the students for a career in biotechnology, faculty from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Engineering, and the School of Integrated Sciences collaborate to provide an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines strong scientific foundations with applied experiential learning. JMU is seeking candidates who are committed toward continuing to build an equitable and diverse scholarly environment where people of all backgrounds can reach their full potential. We have a strong commitment to quality hands-on experiences, as evidenced by the receipt of a Beckman Scholars Program award. A state-funded public-private partnership with Blue Ridge Community College and Merck provides new avenues for program expansion aligned with workforce development needs in the Shenandoah Valley.

The director of the program will have a full-time (12 month) administrative and professional (A&P) faculty contract with appointment at academic rank based on prior experience. Applicants should expect the appointment to begin July 1, 2021, or soon thereafter as negotiated.

Employment is contingent upon budget provisions and availability.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Program and/or curricular development in a higher education setting.
• Workforce program development, networking, and building partnerships/alliances with industrial partners in the biotechnology/industrial sectors.
• Working collaboratively across units and colleges to develop goals, build consensus, and identify opportunities and resources.
• Teaching and/or scholarly activity related to modern biotechnology R&D such as novel drug discovery and development, metabolomics/genomics, biologics, translational science, or genomic medicine.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent qualification in a relevant area such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education with evidence of industrial connections/partnerships is required.
• Evidence of interest/experience in undergraduate STEM education and research with undergraduates.
• Professional experience in industrial bio-manufacturing, agricultural biotechnology, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science, or other relevant industrial sectors is preferred but not required.
• A demonstrated ability to work with different constituencies and build consensus to achieve a common goal.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment that promotes and supports a diverse group of faculty and students in the biotechnology program.

To apply, visit https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/8272 or go to JobLink.jmu.edu and reference posting number F1559. Candidates will complete an application and submit the following:

-Cover Letter

-CV (or resume)

-Statement of Teaching Philosophy

-Statement of Vision for the Future of Biotechnology (as Other Document #1)

-A Statement of Evidence of Career Engagement with Diversity (as Other Document #2)

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.