Professor, Chair of Biomedical Sciences

About the role

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (JCESOM) at Marshall University is seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The Department of Biomedical Sciences is a vital part of the medical school, serving as the primary academic home for nearly 50 full-time faculty members. Located in the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center on the Marshall University campus, the department collaborates with faculty from various disciplines, including other professional programs and clinical faculty. Research focuses on addiction sciences, cardiovascular disease, obesity and obesity-related diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, sleep disorders, and toxicology. Educational activities include teaching medical students, doctoral and graduate students in the Biomedical Research Graduate Program, and other professional programs.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences will possess the following qualities:

• Visionary, Collaborative Leader: Proven ability to guide and shape the future of biomedical sciences within a dynamic medical school setting.
• Collaborative Relationship Builder: Establishes and nurtures strong internal and external relationships, engaging effectively with faculty, students, institutional leaders, and external partners.
• Education-Oriented: Committed to high-quality teaching, mentorship, and learner development across graduate and professional programs.
• Research-Focused: Supports faculty in conducting impactful, collaborative research aligned with institutional and regional priorities; actively promotes and pursues funding and innovation.
• Financially Astute: Balances academic and research goals with sound fiscal management and strategic resource allocation.
• Program Developer: Experienced in growing programs, recruiting top talent, and aligning departmental efforts with institutional objectives.
• Politically Savvy: Navigates academic and institutional dynamics with diplomacy and discretion; unites diverse stakeholders around common goals.
• Effective Communicator: Possesses strong interpersonal and presentation skills; communicates with clarity, respect, and transparency across audiences.

Responsibilities

The Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences will provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership to advance the department's mission in research, education, and service. Key responsibilities include:

• Academic Leadership: Oversee and continuously enhance the biomedical sciences curriculum, focusing on the pre-clinical years of medical education. Foster interdisciplinary teaching in collaboration with the Department of Medical Education and the vice dean for education. Promote a culture of teaching excellence, innovation, and mentorship across all levels of learners.
• Research and Scholarly Advancement: Guide and grow a dynamic, collaborative research environment aligned with institutional priorities such as obesity-related diseases, addiction, aging, and rural health. Support faculty in securing extramural funding, developing translational research, and sustaining nationally recognized research programs. Identify and address departmental research infrastructure and resource needs.
• Faculty Development and Recruitment: Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and high-performing faculty. Conduct faculty evaluations and support professional growth through mentorship, development opportunities, and performance recognition. Encourage collaborative and cross-disciplinary academic activity.
• Strategic and Fiscal Management: Collaborate with the Dean and leadership team to shape and implement a strategic departmental vision that supports institutional goals. Oversee departmental finances, ensuring fiscal responsibility, effective resource allocation, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Institutional and Community Engagement: Represent the department within the medical school, across the university, and with external partners and agencies. Serve on key committees and support initiatives that advance institutional priorities and regional impact. Foster a sense of community, transparency, and shared purpose among faculty, learners, and staff. Promote community partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education.

How to Apply

To apply, interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae and a letter of interest outlining key leadership experiences to Charlotte Tinsley at charlotte.tinsley@amnhealthcare.com of AMN Healthcare. All interactions will remain confidential. To offer a nomination, please use the following secure link: Nomination for the Chair of Biomedical Sciences - Marshall University. The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest highlighting the applicant’s vision and relevant leadership experience.