Chair, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences

Harvard School of Dental Medicine; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard School of Dental Medicine invites nominations and applications for the Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences. This is a full-time 12-month appointment at the rank of associate professor or full professor, with potential for a joint appointment in Bioengineering through SEAS.

The Chair will lead strategic planning, maintain a high-impact research program, and provide leadership for the department’s broader research portfolio, spanning preventive and

Qualifications

• Academic leadership and administrative experience.
• National reputation for excellence in restorative dentistry and biomaterials.
• Strong record of scholarship and research leadership.
• Experience with strategic change leadership and program development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the department's research portfolio and educational mission.
• Lead strategic planning aligned with HSDM and SEAS priorities across dental and medical education.
• Oversee department operations, faculty and staff supervision, curriculum management, and fiscal stewardship.
• Mentor and evaluate faculty, including input on promotions, tenure, reappointment, and merit processes.
• Collaborate with SEAS on potential joint appointments and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Job description

Chair, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) invites nominations and applications for the next Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences. This is a full-time 12-month appointment at the rank of associate professor or full professor, based upon credentials and qualifications. In partnership with the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the ideal candidate will be eligible for a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Bioengineering.

The Chair will lead strategic planning in alignment with the School's vision and mission. The successful candidate will maintain and advance a high-impact research program while providing strategic leadership for the department’s broader research portfolio, spanning preventive and restorative dentistry, digital technologies, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and regenerative, implant, and biomaterials sciences. The Chair will contribute to teaching across dental and medical students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, and will serve as a core member of the HSDM Leadership Team. The Chair will also provide mentorship, career development guidance, and broad faculty support.

The successful candidate should have academic experience, a national reputation for excellence, documented success in strategic change leadership, and a strong record of scholarship and research. The Chair provides leadership for the vision, strategic direction, and long-term growth of the department in alignment with the mission and priorities of the HSDM and SEAS. The Chair is also responsible for overseeing departmental operations, faculty and staff supervision, curriculum management, and fiscal stewardship. This role includes mentoring and evaluating faculty, including providing input on promotion, tenure, reappointment, and merit processes, as well as ensuring didactic and clinical education excellence.

The Chair reports to the Dean of HSDM. HSDM offers a unique interdisciplinary environment for teaching, research, service, and clinical activity, central to our mission at HSDM and the University. The Chair works collaboratively with other members of the Dean’s leadership team, including department chairs and associate deans, to support effective education, patient care, research, and faculty development. The Chair communicates regularly with the Dean, participates in and represents the school and university in leadership and committee meetings, and serves as a key liaison between departmental faculty and School administration.