Department Head - Biological Systems Engineering

University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). The leader will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the department, coordinating and promoting all aspects of the land‑grant mission.

The department head will oversee curriculum, research, and Extension programming, maintain financial responsibility, and foster collaboration across the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a field relevant to BSE and tenure-ready accomplishments.
• Ability to create a shared vision and align resources strategically.
• Demonstrated leadership and outcomes advancing access and belonging.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and visioning for BSE with input from faculty and stakeholders.
• Leadership and oversight of undergraduate programs and initiatives.
• Manage financial and physical resources with fiscal transparency.
• Foster collaboration across colleges and external partners.
• Promote accountability, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, and social responsibility.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Collaboration

Visioning

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

Job description

Position Overview

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). IANR seeks an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative leader who will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the department, coordinating and promoting all aspects of the land‑grant mission. The department head will oversee curriculum, research, and Extension programming, maintain financial responsibility, and foster collaboration across the university.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic planning and visioning for BSE with input from faculty, staff and stakeholders.
• Leadership and oversight of the department’s three undergraduate degree programs and other initiatives.
• Managing financial and physical resources responsibly, exhibiting fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Advancing collaboration with the College of Engineering, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and external partners.
• Promoting the core values of accountability, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, and social responsibility.

This is a 70 % administrative appointment, with the remaining 30 % negotiable based on research, teaching, and Extension interests. The position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and is appointed for a five‑year renewable term.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a field relevant to the department.
• Accomplishments commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment in Biological Systems Engineering at the rank of full professor.
• Demonstrated ability to create a shared vision and align resources to achieve strategic outcomes.
• A record of leadership and outcomes that demonstrate a commitment to practices enhancing access and belongingness.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellence in research evidenced by a portfolio of publications, extramural funding, and collaboration.
• Excellence in teaching in formal and/or informal settings.
• Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
• Evidence of using data to navigate complex situations and make strategic decisions.
• Understanding of systems and networks that support entrepreneurial activities.
• Sensitivity to the perspectives and values of faculty, staff, and students.

Application Instructions

1. Letter of interest describing qualifications, anticipated contributions, and vision for the department.
2. Statement describing experience working in teams and anticipated contributions to inclusive environments (2 page maximum). See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance.
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Name and contact information for five professional references.

All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search website.

Questions can be directed to:

• Dr. Amy Schmidt, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair – [e-mail]
• Dr. Larkin Powell, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair – [e-mail]
• Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist – [e-mail], (402) 472‑5730

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ for details.