Department Head - Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB)

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Education and Experience

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Jun 03, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194133EP
Internal Recruitment	Yes
Working Title	Department Head - Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB)
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Education and Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; other hours as required
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Plant & Microbial Biology
About the Department	The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology is one of three life sciences departments within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ( CALS) at NC State University, along with the Departments of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry and Applied Ecology. The department focuses on the biology of plants and of microorganisms, and collaborates with the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Sciences ( COS) in supporting graduate and undergraduate programs in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, and Genetics. Plant and Microbial Biology offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Plant Biology, and administers the inter-college Microbiology graduate program major and a professional science MR degree in Microbial Biotechnology. The Department is internationally recognized with faculty that have won numerous awards for teaching and scholarly excellence. The faculty members within the department teach and conduct research in a broad array of plant biology and microbiology disciplines, including biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, biochemistry, ecology, conservation, and systematics.
Essential Job Duties	The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University (NC State) invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology ( PMB). The Head of the Department must provide visionary leadership and effective management to academic, research, and extension programs in a dynamic department with a strong reputation for excellence. The Head also has a key role in the recruitment and development of faculty and staff, oversees the planning and evaluation of the Department's programs, and is responsible for allocation and accountability of departmental budgetary matters. This position is expected to promote collaborations and partnerships with other University departments as well as state, national, and international agencies. The Head must be a strong advocate for the Department, the College, the University, and the profession. Consistent with NC State's land-grant mission, the department head is also expected to foster strong connections with local communities and industry to ensure its research and extension programs are addressing critical needs of North Carolina and in order to guide the growth and advancement of our teaching and training programs to best prepare students for the workforce. This position is 100% administrative but with the flexibility to accommodate some research, teaching, or extension activity. NC State University is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their experience, research, teaching, extension, and/or service, to the excellence of the academic community. The Head will be actively involved in fundraising to support the department's programs and other developmental activities and serve as the lead representative in interactions with college and university administrators, industry and community partners. The Department Head will provide visionary leadership and is expected to promote collaborations and partnerships with other University departments as well as state, national, and international agencies. This position is for current permanent NC State University employees only.
Other Responsibilities	Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires PhD in Microbial Biology, Plant Biology, or a closely related discipline, an equivalent degree, or equivalent professional experience.
Other Required Qualifications	Academic experience in teaching and research. Demonstrated previous administrative experience. Effective communication skills and team building capabilities. Must possess a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and extension, and be able to articulate the vision of the department within the context of a land-grant university. Must be able to support and mentor faculty and foster effective interdisciplinary scholarship. Currently hold the rank of Professor with tenure and have a record of outstanding professional achievement in their field.
Preferred Qualifications	Demonstrated appreciation for and understanding of both plant and microbial sciences, and a commitment to supporting excellence across these disciplines, including studies ranging from the cellular/molecular biology to evolutionary biology and ecology. A strong record of achievement in research, teaching, and/or extension, with a willingness to shift focus from personal scholarship to advancing departmental goals and priorities. Proven strategic thinking skills, with the ability to articulate and implement a clear vision that aligns with and advances the department's strategic plan, while recognizing and embracing the plan as a dynamic, evolving framework. Experience successfully leading through change, with the ability to guide a department through transitional periods such as evolving federal funding landscapes, shifts in faculty hiring models, and institutional change. A deep commitment to fostering and sustaining a positive and collaborative departmental culture that supports faculty, staff, and student success.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid NC driver's license or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	06/03/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	In order to be considered, applicants must provide the following: Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae A two-page statement of vision for leadership of the department (Other Document 1) Name and contact information for three professional references. This position is for current permanent NC State University employees only.

Position Details

Position Number	00000205
Position Type	Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID	110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.