Chair, Department of Biological Sciences

Chair, Department of Biological Sciences 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 

Northern Illinois University  

Northern Illinois University (NIU) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences (BIOS) (https://www.niu.edu/clas/biology/index.shtml). This is a 12-month tenured position with rank of associate or full professor to begin July 1, 2021.

We seek a Chair that is a strong communicator and will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership to distinguish the department in its research, teaching and service missions.  The successful candidate will (1) promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research and recruitment and retention of excellent students, (2) build bridges between departmental research emphases and other disciplines, departments, and institutions and (3) foster a transformation in faculty and staff development and composition to better serve an increasingly diverse community.

Candidates must have a PhD in the Biological Sciences, a history of excellence in teaching and research, relevant leadership, management and administrative experience, and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The field of specialization is open but should complement departmental strengths in molecular, cellular, and organismal biology.

NIU is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois, an exurb of Chicago. Our 16,000+ student body is diverse, with many first-generation and minority students. NIU prides itself on student-centered approaches to teaching and research, and has social mobility, equity, and inclusion at the heart of its mission. Biological Sciences is one of the largest majors on campus and our department has faculty and students pursuing dynamic research agendas including biomedical, microbial, pedagogical, developmental, evolutionary and ecological questions utilizing nearby, world-class resources like Nachusa Grasslands, The Nature Conservancy, Fermi National Accelerator Lab, Argonne National Lab and the Chicago Proton Center. DeKalb is now home to the new Facebook strategic interconnected data center that uses local access to cloud on-ramps and surrounding energy grids.  The proximity of DeKalb to Chicago provides easy access to Chicago’s research and technology corridor, the arts and extensive nature preserves and parks.  The Department of Biological Sciences is housed primarily in Montgomery Hall, a 112,000-square-foot facility. In addition to teaching and research laboratories, the department maintains live animal facilities, greenhouses, confocal and electron microscopy, and molecular core services (nucleic acid sequencing and qPCR).

Applications must include a (1) letter of interest, outlining the candidate’s leadership and management experience, motivation, and qualifications for the position (2-3 pages); (2) a vision statement including research, teaching and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (3 page maximum);  and (3) a current curriculum vitae with the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications must be submitted electronically to this link, http://employment.niu.edu/postings/54555. Review will commence for completed applications received by January 31, 2021 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. NIU values diversity in its faculty, staff and student body.  In keeping with this commitment, our academic community strongly encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.  Questions may be sent via email to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Linda Yasui at lyasui@niu.edu.

Northern Illinois University is an AA/EEO institution. Pre-employment background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required. 

EEO Statement, Visa Policy, ADA Accommodation, Clery Act Information 

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: 

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator 

Health Services 230Altgeld Hall 238 

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 

815-753-5560 

Office for Civil Rights 

U.S. Department of Education 

Citigroup Center 

500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 

Chicago, IL 60661-4544 

312-730-1560 

OCR.Chicago@ed.gov 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.  

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education (AAEOE) at ada@niu.edu. 

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.