Associate Professor/Professor and Head

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution seeks a dynamic leader for the Head of the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine. This pivotal role involves strategic oversight, enhancing departmental reputation, and fostering faculty and student success in a vibrant academic community. The ideal candidate will engage in collaborative leadership, mentoring, and promoting a positive work environment. With a focus on innovative research and community outreach, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in veterinary education and practice. Join a team that values work-life balance and professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Community outreach programs

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree required with experience for academic rank.
• Administrative experience in an academic setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of departmental strategic plans.
• Conduct evaluations and mentor faculty and staff.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

DVM or VMD degree

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Apply now Job no: 508858
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 183900 - CVM Pathobiology/Population Med Dep
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Faculty
Position Open Date: Feb 19 2025

Position Function:

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) seeks an engaging leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine (DPPM). The Department Head is responsible for strategic direction and oversight of the activities of the faculty, staff, residents, interns, and graduate students. The successful candidate must be committed to promoting faculty and student success, enhancing the department's reputation, and advancing departmental goals through dedicated leadership. The Head of DPPM reports to the Dean and works closely with hospital, diagnostic laboratory, and center directors. This is a twelve-month appointment with a 75%-time allocation for administration, and the remaining 25% made up of professional/diagnostic service, teaching, or research, depending upon the individual’s interests and expertise. Incoming academic rank and tenure are based on credentials.

The DPPM is organized into sections that affiliate scholarly and clinical service efforts in the disciplines of farm animal medicine and surgery, equine medicine and surgery, theriogenology, epidemiology and preventive medicine, and diagnostic medicine. Faculty work in the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory System, Large Animal Hospital of the Animal Health Center, and Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS). Faculty provide instruction in Phase 1 (preclinical) and Phase 2 (clinical) of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, and in the Veterinary Medical Technology and graduate programs. A diverse portfolio of research exists within the department including bovine respiratory disease, epidemiology, population medicine, aquatic health, poultry medicine, and marine mammal and sea turtle conservation. The College will soon offer a Master of Science in One Health degree and DPPM faculty are participating in the development of this program.

The DPPM is home to 53 faculty, 9 staff, 11 residents, 4 interns, and 9 graduate students engaged in teaching, research, and service activities. There are both clinical-track and tenure-track faculty in the department, and they work in Starkville or at other facilities within the state, including the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (MVRDL) and Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (PRDL) in Pearl, MS, the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Stoneville, MS, and the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory in Gautier, MS. The department also has faculty working internationally.

The MSU CVM offers a forward-thinking academic environment, outstanding clinical services, productive research programs, and engaging community outreach programs. The College is renowned for its two-and-two DVM program that provides students two full years in clinics and the most contact time with faculty clinicians of any veterinary program in the country. The DVM program is #1 in the country for surgical training, with students performing more than 90 spay/neuter surgeries by the time they graduate. The MSU CVM has recently established the Center for Rural Veterinary Practice as part of a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of veterinary services in rural areas. Faculty are well compensated and supported in career and professional development, and the MSU CVM values community, family, and work/life balance.

Mississippi has low house prices and an affordable cost of living, and faculty enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The MSU CVM is in Starkville, Mississippi, a modern small city that offers good schools, culture, restaurants, and college sports. Starkville was recently named the Best Small Town in America. There are also opportunities for land ownership and farming in surrounding rural areas, as well as a variety of outdoor activities.

Area of Specialization:

Pathobiology and Population Medicine

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department Head is responsible for leading faculty and staff in the planning, development, and implementation of the DPPM strategic plan, through management of departmental resources, direction of faculty searches, and mentoring and evaluating departmental faculty and staff. The Department Head meets annually with each faculty member to conduct their evaluation and meets monthly with new faculty members for their first six months. A faculty mentoring program also exists and is operated at the college level. Teaching and research components of faculty work are managed and evaluated by department heads, while hospital and laboratory directors manage and evaluate clinical or diagnostic laboratory service. The Department Head serves on the CVM Leadership Team that meets weekly. The Department Head must be committed to collaborative and transparent leadership, promoting community and creating a positive work environment for all departmental personnel. Recruitment and retention of excellent faculty and staff is a priority.

Minimum Qualifications:

A DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from a recognized college of veterinary medicine is required and the selected candidate must have the experience and credentials necessary for them to be appointed at the academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor. Administrative experience managing and evaluating people in an academic setting is preferred. Demonstrated commitment to fostering career development of early-career faculty, residents, interns, and graduate students is desired. A PhD in a relevant field and board certification in a veterinary specialty are preferred qualifications. Experience in pathobiology, population medicine, or a large animal field is preferred, but not required.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent telephone and email communication skills, especially related to client service.
Must be capable of working in a team environment comprised of doctors, staff and students to provide veterinary care of patients and aid in the instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technology students.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.

Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Applicants must apply online at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for 3 references. Questions should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. John Thomason (Email: [e-mail]; Phone: [phone]). Review of applications will begin 15 days after the position is posted.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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