Department Chair

Department Chair

The Department of Biology at the University of West Florida (UWF) in Pensacola, Florida, invites applications for an experienced and distinguished senior scholar to serve as Department Chair (Position # 119760), beginning Fall 2025. This position is a full-time, 12-month tenured appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor. The Chair will report to the Dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering and will serve as the department’s academic and administrative leader. The Chair is a member of the college leadership team, working collaboratively with the dean, university administration, fellow department chairs, center directors, faculty members, and staff to support and advance the strategic goals of the University, College, and Department.

We invite applications from individuals who are exemplary leaders, scientists, and communicators to lead a highly engaged and collaborative faculty. The Department of Biology at UWF is committed to advancing undergraduate and graduate (Master's degrees) education and increasing externally funded research and innovation. The Department emphasizes strong support for students preparing for careers in biomedical research, ecology, and marine sciences. The Chair will be expected to teach one course per semester, maintain an active research program that complements and enhances the Department’s current strengths, mentor students and perform service duties that contribute to the success of the department and the mission of the university.

The Department of Biology is a multidisciplinary unit with a diverse range of faculty expertise who are dedicated to teaching and research. The Department offers a comprehensive curriculum and applied learning experiences that prepare students for leadership roles in a world characterized by rapid technological advances and new scientific discoveries. Faculty research spans a variety of areas, including but not limited to cellular and molecular biology, marine sciences, ecology, genetics, and environmental science.

UWF is a dynamic institution that values excellence and is committed to fostering an exceptional learning environment. The Department of Biology plays a key role in this mission by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a range of biological disciplines.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a closely related field from an accredited institution with a strong commitment to teaching, academic research and service.
• Sustained record of teaching, service, and scholarly achievements consistent with the rank of a tenured professor.
• Demonstrated record of effective academic leadership, including experience with curriculum innovation and development of new programs.
• Successful record of maintaining a competitively funded research program.
• Experience with shared governance among faculty with varying titles, ranks, and program specialties.
• Administrative, research, and teaching philosophies that align with the department and university’s goals.

Special Requirements or Considerations:

• A criminal background check is required for this position.

Application Instructions:

• Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Letter of application addressing interest in the position and qualifications for the major/essential functions
• Teaching philosophy
• Statement of research interests and plans, including how the research will support undergraduate and graduate students
• Contact information for three references
• References will be contacted upon submission of the application. Applicants will have the opportunity to upload these documents during the application process.

The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158 (TTY). A criminal background check is required for successful candidates. E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to the Florida public records.