Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites nominations and applications for the position of CHAIR of Pharmaceutical Sciences (at Associate or Full Professor rank). The successful candidate will be a talented and trusted regional/national leader, who will cultivate and embrace excellence in research, teaching, and service in a predominantly Mexican-American community. This year-round position represents a unique opportunity for an outstanding individual to continue to strategically grow the pharmaceutical sciences team to drive innovative research in diverse disciplines while providing continued support for the integrated curriculum in a relatively new School of Pharmacy at UTEP. Appointment at the Associate Professor/Professor level with the opportunity for administrative advancement in the Dean’s office is commensurate with a history of excellence in scholarship, teaching, and leadership. The appointment date is negotiable with the potential to initiate an appointment in the Spring of 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This Chair will be expected to: (1) establish and maintain a nationally recognized, federally-funded research program in pharmaceutical sciences; (2) recruit and retain pharmaceutical sciences researchers from varied disciplines; (3) work with UTEP administration to advocate for continued growth and success in pharmaceutical sciences; (4) contribute to and continuously improve the foundational pharmaceutical sciences curriculum using innovative teaching models; (5) work with the School of Pharmacy to maintain accreditation status; (6) collaborate with well-established and funded graduate programs in biomedical sciences, basic sciences, and/or other health-related sciences to support graduate student success; (7) provide leadership and mentoring for the Pharmaceutical Sciences Team including faculty development, budget management, and other administrative functions; (8) engage a culturally diverse Doctor of Pharmacy student body in research experiences;  and (9) maintain a university and national record of service.

UTEP PHARMACY: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) School of Pharmacy (http://www.utep.edu/pharmacy/) is the only pharmacy school providing culturally competent, highly skilled Pharmacists to the Texas Southwest region. The mission of the School of Pharmacy is to “bridge borders for access and excellence by transforming pharmacy education, patient care, community service, research and leadership to benefit a 21st century demographic.” UTEP’s School of Pharmacy will be a pioneer for excellence in pharmacy education for “Innovation, Diversity, Engagement, Access, and Leadership (IDEAL).” UTEP’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The School of Pharmacy’s vision is to establish sustainable and high-quality research programs in basic science, translational practice, clinical practice, and educational outcomes that align with UTEP’s mission of access and excellence and benefit our graduating clinical practitioners. In line with this vision, the UTEP School of Pharmacy has developed a cutting-edge research core housing state-of-the-art equipment that supports the needs of faculty, students, and their collaborators. The school is also part of the broader UTEP Health (https://www.utep.edu/health/) initiative aimed at elevating the standard of health care in the Paso del Norte region. The initiative will increase the number of healthcare professionals in the region with a high-quality education.

About UTEP and El Paso: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1 and community engaged research university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls 24,000 students—84% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college.

The city’s border location makes it an ideal venue for academic programs and research studies on topics of national interest such as bilingual education/language acquisition, border environment and immigration, environmental sustainability and infrastructure, health disparities, and international trade and commerce.

As the Paso del Norte region’s center for intellectual capital, UTEP is one of the major economic engines in the region, adding more than $1.4 billion to the local economy annually.

El Paso’s active arts and culture community features the state’s longest-running symphony orchestra, a nationally recognized chamber music festival, art galleries, museums, and a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals. UTEP adds to the arts and entertainment scene with contemporary and student art galleries, and a natural history museum. 

For sports fans, the UTEP Miners offer exciting Division I college athletics at several campus venues including Sun Bowl Stadium, the Don Haskins Center, Kidd Field, University Field and the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. Southwest University Park, located a mile away in lively downtown El Paso, is home to the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and the El Paso Locomotive, a professional soccer team founded in 2019. Less than 4 miles east of the park is El Paso County Coliseum, which is home to the El Paso Rhinos, a member of the North American Hockey League.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a doctoral degree in a pharmaceutical science (for example: pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics), or in a related field, from an accredited institution with documented evidence of:

(1) Success in collaborative scholarship, external funding, and publications;

(2) Experience with curricular development and innovations in teaching in the pharmaceutical sciences at an institution of higher education;

(3) Leadership and mentoring within/across pharmaceutical sciences and practice faculty

(4) Ability to work effectively as a team with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds;

(5) Involvement of students in research and/or publication opportunities; and

(6) Service in their discipline/profession on the national stage and at their university 

BENEFITS: The initial salary is competitive, based on qualifications and experience, and comes with excellent fringe benefits.  

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates must submit:  1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of research goals, 4) departmental vision statement, and 5) contact information for at least three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Questions should be directed to the Interim Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences – Dr. Scott Weston (gsweston@utep.edu / Phone number: 915-747-8242).

Hiring decisions are based upon budget approval.

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment. 

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.