Job Title Professor & Department Head - Neuroscience Agency Tarleton State University Department College of Science & Mathematics Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Stephenville, Texas Job Type Faculty Job Description Job Description: The NEW Department of Neuroscience (https://catalog.tarleton.edu/undergrad/collegeofsciencemathematics/neuroscience/#text) , housed in the College of Science and Mathematics, invites highly qualified and enthusiastic candidates to apply for the Professor & Department Head position beginning Fall 2024. Competitive salary and startup commensurate with experience. This position will support existing neuroscience programming, the new BS in Neuroscience, and the new Ph.D. programs with neuroscience coursework (pending final approvals proposed to start Fall 2025). The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, maintain an impactful research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, actively engage in mentoring and guiding doctoral students through their academic and research endeavors, fostering a supportive and enriching environment within our PhD program, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution. We are specifically looking for strong and innovative leaders who can teach courses and conduct research in areas such as Neuropharmacology, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Neuroethology - additional areas of specialization will be considered. This is a 12-month tenured* position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to work/teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion. * Tenure upon arrival will be granted pending approval from The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : 50% Administration: The Department Head is responsible for providing leadership and support for the faculty and staff within the new Department of Neuroscience while also collaborating with other administrators across the university. Leadership and Strategic Management + Collaborate with the Department of Neuroscience faculty and staff to establish a vision for the department in alignment with the overall vision of the College of Science and Mathematics and the university. + Work with other department heads, associate deans, and the college dean in the development and implementation of the strategic plan for the college, in collaboration with the faculty. + Lead the development of a departmental strategic plan and work with the departmental colleagues to implement it. Program Development and Teaching + Collaborate within the college to develop doctoral program applications. + Work with university partners to regularly perform market analysis to propose and develop various graduate and undergraduate programs, majors, minors, certificates, etc. + Work collaboratively across the college and the university to develop new cross-disciplinary programs. + Work with enrollment management and graduate admissions to market programs to increase enrollment. + Maintain academic integrity and rigor of classes and programs. + Encourage high-quality teaching by supporting faculty to effectively deliver courses using various modalities, including cutting-edge technologies. + Propose and administer new courses/curriculum. Administrative + Recruit and retain exceptional scholars and teachers in the department. + Collaboratively set yearly goals and perform annual performance evaluations for faculty and staff. + Perform mid-tenure review for department tenure-track faculty. + Perform tenure and promotion evaluations for department faculty. + Maintain open lines of communication within the department and the college leadership. + Maintain community engagement. Budgeting + Manage the department budget based on the college guidelines. + Work with the university budget specialist for record keeping and university reporting. Research + Encourage and support department faculty in maintaining an active research agenda, publications, and grant applications + Encourage faculty for a collaborative mindset for cross-disciplinary research efforts across the university. Student Support + Ensure class offerings meet student demand and degree progression. + Support student organizations within the department. + Ensure an environment for student success, engagement, and retention. + Connect students with opportunities for career exploration. 20% Teaching and Service: + Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students, which may include general education core curriculum. + Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc. + Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements. + Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning. + Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring. + Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities. + Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement. + Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies. + Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement. + Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty. 30% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity: + Maintain an active agenda for research, scholarship, or creative activity appropriate to the applicant’s academic discipline. + Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition. + Demonstrate potential for external funding, national impact, or professional recognition. Minimum Requirements: + Earned doctorate in Neuroscience or a closely related field from an accredited university + Must have a distinguished record that warrants a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Full Professor. + Eligibility for tenure will be determined by reviewing the candidate’s record of years of experience and professional achievements in teaching, service, and research consistent with the Texas A&M system guidance. + Tenure upon arrival will be granted pending approval from The Texas A&M University System. + Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Preferred Qualifications: + Experience building new academic programs and departments Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; ability to interact with students, staff, and faculty in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner. Salary: Commensurate with experience The target base annual salary is commensurate with experience and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees: Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development: + Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) (https://www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/employees/) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit! + Doctoral Educational Assistance (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/doctoral-edu-guidelines/) – Full-time budgeted employees at all A&M System Universities, Agencies, and System Offices are qualified for reimbursement of tuition and mandatory fees. Eligibility: This program is applicable to the pursuit of a first doctorate degree only to full-time, budgeted employees who have been in a position no less than 2 long semesters. Click the link for additional details! Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/benefits/) + Fully covered employee health insurance + Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days. + Dental insurance + Vision insurance + Retirement and Insurance programs Paid Leave (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/benefits/) Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area! + Paid sick leave + Holiday pay + Vacation + Longevity pay + Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday! Other + Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events + Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium. + Employee Wellness Release Time + Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation + and other Tarleton Discounts Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Application Procedure: During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action. Employment applications must include (required): + Completed online application + Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications + Curriculum Vitae or Resume + At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information, and + Unofficial transcripts Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered. Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated hire date is Fall 2025. Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. Founded in 1899, Tarleton State University a founding member of The Texas A&M University System, has a rich history and tradition through generations that have inspired educational excellence. Tarleton maintains a commitment to transformational student experiences and career readiness supported by engaged faculty, staff, and alumni mentors. Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), earned the prestigious designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and is a member of the NCAA Division I, Western Athletic Conference. Strategic Planning for the Next Decade - Tarleton Forward 2030 (https://web.tarleton.edu/tarletonforward/) All links will open to a new tab + Employee Services (https://www.tarleton.edu/hr/index.html) + Benefits + University Leadership (https://web.tarleton.edu/president/) + Research and Economic Development + Traditions and History (https://www.tarleton.edu/traditions/index.html) Tarleton State University is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact employment@tarleton.edu .