Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Biology within the Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, invites applications for a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary leader for the position of Department Head. Candidates should have demonstrated strong leadership skills qualifying them to play a key role in the continued advancement of the department, along with a distinguished record of research, teaching, and mentorship.
The Department of Biology is a broad and intellectually diverse community recognized for excellence in research, education, and outreach. Its faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students pursue discovery across scales of biological organization and a wide range of research areas. The Department takes particular pride in its collegial and collaborative culture, respect for diverse areas of scholarship, strong partnerships within and beyond the College, and commitment to integrating excellence in research and teaching. The Penn State Department of Biology is a vibrant academic community comprising 70 faculty members, 33 postdoctoral researchers, 90 graduate students, and 20 staff members. Its undergraduate programs include majors in Biology and Neurobiology and minors in Biology and Marine Science, with 1,526 students enrolled across these programs. The department is recognized on both a national and international level for its teaching and research.
Biology serves as an important hub for the life sciences at Penn State, with strong connections across the Eberly College of Science and the University. The Department of Biology works closely with several Penn State Institutes, including the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences which creates opportunity to collaborate with other colleges including Engineering, Medicine, and Agricultural Sciences. The Department has a tradition of developing leaders, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and embracing innovation in research and education. Looking forward, the Department seeks to build on existing areas of excellence while advancing emerging opportunities, strengthening connections between research and teaching, expanding experiential learning and undergraduate research, and ensuring that undergraduate and graduate education remain responsive to a changing scientific landscape.
Position Responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the Dean of the Eberly College of Science, the Department Head serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department and provides leadership for all aspects of its mission.
The successful candidate will:
The Department Head is expected to maintain an active and visible research program and continue contributing to the advancement of the discipline through scholarship, mentorship, and professional service.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess:
Application Materials:
Applications should be submitted on the Penn State site and include a single PDF including all of the following:
Review of Applications:
Screening of applications will begin December 7, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
Questions about the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Mauricio Terrones (mut11@psu.edu).
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
