General Summary of Position:

The Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences (BNS) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell seeks a visionary leader for the position of departmental chair. The new chair will have the opportunity to lead the next stages of research development and advance the reputation of the department. The appointment is expected to be at the level of Associate or Full Professor with tenure.

The Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences is located in UMass Lowell's Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, a dynamic, growing college that prepares scientists and professionals in a wide range of health areas. The department currently has 23 faculty and five FT staff members. Eight new energetic and engaged faculty have been hired in the last three years. The new chair will contribute to planned new hiring particularly in the broad area of biomedical sciences with a focus on the molecular biology of human disease and treatments using animal models. A substantial research program, with vibrant community partnerships and engagement opportunities in the areas of biomedical, clinical, microbial, nutritional, and pharmaceutical sciences enriches and supports educational programs. The university recently acquired state-of-the-art vivarium and animal imaging facilities with space for research labs. This will expand research opportunities for current and future faculty and students.

The chair's mission is to inspire and promote the academic and intellectual growth of the department, to ensure effective use of resources to meet the college goals, and to promote student success. Ambitious expansion of the research enterprise is a key goal for the new chair. The department and college have leadership teams that support the chair in carrying out the academic mission of the department. An associate chair and administrative assistant support the chair and department by managing many administrative roles to allow the chair more time to focus on the research enterprise.

The department offers undergraduate degrees in applied biomedical sciences, dietetics, medical laboratory sciences, nutritional sciences, nutrition and wellness and pharmaceutical science marketing & management and master's degrees in clinical sciences, nutrition, and pharmaceutical sciences. Faculty also participate in doctoral programs in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical engineering & biotechnology (BMEBT) and epidemiology. The department provides core science instructional services for all undergraduate degrees in the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences including exercise science, nursing, and public health, as well as graduate programs in physical therapy and public health. Educational strategies include classes taught by highly-qualified faculty, experiential learning, and hands-on laboratory experiences. A vibrant cadre of teaching and clinical professors are engaged with innovative health sciences education.

UMass Lowell is situated in the heart of New England on the banks of the Merrimack River, a beautiful and culturally diverse area and birthplace of America’s industrial revolution.  Cotton mills in Lowell, the only city to be awarded nation  park status by the U.S. National Park Service, opened in 1814 and the city has been a hub of invention and innovation ever since.  UML continues that legacy of innovation throughout the campus.  Its location 25 miles north of Boston offer unsurpassed enrichment of every type including fine arts, dining, historical sites, and of course sports!  Just north of Lowell the grandeur of New Hampshire’s White mountains unfolds not far from the storied ski lodges of Vermont.  All told, Lowell is a jewel of a city in one of the most attractive regions in the country to live. 

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal. We encourage individuals from underrepresented populations to apply and would be pleased to have applicants identify strengths in this area.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• PhD, ScD or other earned doctorate in the biomedical, microbial, nutritional, or pharmaceutical sciences or other related biomedical sciences fields
• Evidence of excellence in leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strong track record in externally funded research
• Substantial publication record
• Demonstrated excellence in mentoring, teaching, and service
• The ability to work effectively with diverse groups and interdisciplinary teams
• Previous rank of associate or full professor with tenure
• Experience in fostering partnerships within the university and with outside partners, such as industry-based research

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in a prior leadership role in a 4 year research institution and ability to successfully collaborate with the faculty, the dean, and upper administration
• Experience recruiting faculty with strong research agendas and mentoring them through the tenure process
• Experience with undergraduate, graduate, and accredited programs, with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate curricula

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled with the goal of a July 1, 2020 start date. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received. 

Please submit the following documents with your application:

• CV
• Cover letter which includes the following:
     o Description of your past leadership experiences and mentoring activities
     o Vision for advancing the department
• Research statement listing accomplishments and future plans
• Teaching philosophy
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals (two or three significant, relevant publications in high impact journals)
• Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process. References will not be contacted until after the candidate visits campus and with candidate consent.