Department Chair - Chemistry & Forensic Science

TopSciNet; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Savannah State University is accepting applications for the Department Chair of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences. The chair will oversee administrative, academic, and operational functions of the department and report to the Dean of COSH.

Responsibilities include providing leadership in teaching, research, and service excellence, managing budgets and accreditation, evaluating faculty, leading curriculum planning, and guiding recruitment and student success initiatives.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a related field is required.
• Five or more years of higher education teaching experience is expected.
• Experience with ACS certification and graduate program development is preferred.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential.
• Prior supervisory experience and industry partnership development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching, research, and service excellence within the department.
• Manage budgets, resources, and accreditation processes.
• Evaluate faculty and staff performance.
• Lead curriculum development and strategic planning.
• Oversee recruitment, faculty development, and student success initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between the department and the Dean of the COSH.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Budget management

Program assessment

Faculty development

Curriculum design

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Education

Doctorate in Chemistry/Forensic Science or related field

Five+ years of higher education teaching experience

Tools

Banner

Job description

Department Chair - Chemistry & Forensic Science

Job Description

Founded in 1890, Savannah State University is the oldest public HBCU in Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. With five colleges—Business Administration, Education, Engineering & Computing, Media, Arts & Communication, and Science & Humanities—the university combines academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a scenic campus setting surrounded by historic architecture and lush marshland.

Department Overview

The Department of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences offers ACS-certified Chemistry and Forensic Science (B.S.) programs, preparing students for careers in toxicology, criminal justice, forensic laboratories, and research. Alumni have joined organizations like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Job Summary

The Department Chair will manage all administrative, academic, and operational functions of the department. Responsibilities include:

Providing leadership in teaching, research, and service excellence.

Managing budgets, resources, and accreditation (ACS certification).

Evaluating faculty and staff performance.

Leading curriculum development and strategic planning.

Overseeing recruitment, faculty development, and student success initiatives.

Serving as liaison between the department and the Dean of the College of Science and Humanities (COSH).

This position reports directly to the Dean of COSH and plays a vital role on the college’s leadership team.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a related field (required).

Five (5)+ years of higher education teaching experience.

Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience.

Proven record in budget management, program assessment, and faculty development.

Experience with ACS certification and graduate program development.

Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Prior supervisory experience and industry partnership development (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Expertise in curriculum design, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.

Knowledge of shared governance, faculty development, and student success practices.

Skilled in oral and written communication, with proficiency in Banner preferred.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and foster a collegial work environment.

Institutional Values

Savannah State upholds five core values:
Belonging, Collaboration, Discovery, Excellence, and Resilience — promoting inclusion, respect, and academic achievement for all.

Application Process

Apply by: December 15, 2025 (for best consideration; open until filled)

Required materials:

Online application

CV and transcripts (unofficial accepted; official required upon hire)

List of three professional references (name, email, phone)

Savannah State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and part of the University System of Georgia (USG). Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, gender, religion, disability, age, or veteran status. The university fully supports freedom of expression, academic freedom, and diversity of thought in all hiring and academic processes.