Dean of the College of Science

Florida Atlantic University, a public research and doctoral-degree granting institution, seeks a dynamic and visionary leader with an established record of academic and administrative accomplishments for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. The incoming Dean will have unique opportunities to lead innovative interdisciplinary research and education programs within the College.  The ideal candidate will have an excellent background in research and attracting external funding, and demonstrated administrative capacities to: develop a broad vision for academic excellence; lead strategic planning and budgeting for the College; support and develop research efforts, especially inter-Collegiate and multi-institutional initiatives; attract, mentor, and retain an excellent faculty; and represent the College energetically to internal and external constituencies, including pursuing philanthropic development.

The University has facilities on six modern campuses stretching along 100 miles of the Atlantic coast of south Florida. Its location offers unique research opportunities for the College in marine and environmental science with local partners in the USGS, Everglades National Park, and FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The College also has unique opportunities to cultivate research relationships and identify areas for broader research collaborations with local partners Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Florida Institute. The College will play a vital role as the University implements its new strategic plan and strengthens its national and international profile both in research and in community engagement.

The College comprises the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Exercise Science & Health Promotion, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Psychology and Urban & Regional Planning.  Its 179 faculty offer 17 baccalaureate degree programs, 17 master’s degree programs, and 6 Ph.D. programs to over 6,705 undergraduate and 504 graduate students. Its Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences offers an additional, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. The College’s other research centers of excellence include the Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions, Center for Biomedical and Materials Physics, the Center for Cryptology and Information Security (designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Research by NSA/DHS), the Center for Geographic Information Analysis and Modeling, the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.  The College is actively engaged in the University’s Distinction Through Discovery program, which emphasizes undergraduate mentoring and participation in research and inquiry.  For additional information about the College, please visit http://www.science.fau.edu

Florida Atlantic University was founded in 1964, and today serves the most diverse student body among the public institutions in Florida’s State University System. It is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. FAU has grown to include 10 colleges that offer its 30,000 students more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  For additional information about the University, please visit http://www.fau.edu/explore/.

The Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is its chief executive officer and reports directly to the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Eligible candidates must hold a terminal degree in one of the disciplines of the College or a closely related field and have academic qualifications appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure in the College. 

Nominations and inquiries should be sent to Lucy Leske and Julia Bradley, the WittKieffer consultants assisting Florida Atlantic University with this search, at FAUScienceDean@wittkieffer.com. Credential review begins on January 8, 2022. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer's candidate portal and include a curriculum vitae and a letter addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements.

We seek candidates who through their leadership, research, teaching, and/or service can contribute to the diversity and academic excellence of the college, and who have experience and are committed to working with diverse faculty, students, staff, and the broader community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and candidates who are from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

FAU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veterans’ status or any other characteristic protected by law. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation, please call 561-297-6057, TTY/TDD 711.

A background check will be required for the candidate selected for this position.

This search is being conducted in accordance with the “Sunshine” Law of the State of Florida.