Tenured: Professor and Department Head, Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The School of Public Health at Texas A&M University invites applications for a full‐time tenured full professor and department head for the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Located in College Station, TX on the flagship campus of the Texas A&M University System, the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health (SPH) has over 60 faculty in four departments. Texas A&M University, a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, was the state’s first public institution of higher learning, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), and boasts world-class resources available to SPH faculty. This appointment would ideally start July 1, 2021, although this date is flexible. Review of applications will begin January 4, 2021 but applications can be received until the position is filled.

The next department head will have the opportunity to build on the department’s strong foundation and craft a vision that will continue to foster discovery and excellence in epidemiology and biostatistics. We seek a student and faculty-centered leader who will actively cultivate an inclusive and dynamic work and learning environment in which a diversity of faculty, staff and students will thrive. The successful applicant will be an innovative thinker with a strategic vision for guiding the department to a higher level of excellence and who can communicate this vision to a constituency that includes academia, government, and former students. The candidate must have notable accomplishments and experience in research, academic leadership, teaching, and scholarship.

Candidates must demonstrate a clear vision for supporting, directing, and enhancing the goals of the department. The department head will:

  • Engage the department’s faculty and staff in defining its vision for the future, in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic plan

  • Demonstrate leadership and administrative skills

  • Model and create collaborative approaches to promote and integrate diversity, equality, inclusiveness and accountability in the research, teaching and service work of the department

  • Maintain a strong extramurrally funded research program commensurate with a leader in the field and a tenured full professor

  • Promote growth of the department in research excellence and graduate education

  • Lead and motivate high standards for continued excellence and innovation in undergraduate education

  • Provide effective budget management

  • Promote an environment of integrity to stimulate faculty, staff and students to succeed at the highest

    levels

Resources

The department has ten tenured and tenure track faculty members, three non-tenure earning faculty and staff members, and is home to over 120 graduate students. It offers a fully online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology and traditional MPH degrees in epidemiology and biostatistics. The department also offers an epidemiology concentration in the schoolwide Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Sciences. Additionally, Epidemiology and Biostatistics faculty teach in the Schoolwide Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health generalist degree program, which has over 800 students.

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has a commitment to scholarly inquiry in a broad spectrum of areas. Research and creative activity in the department includes both basic and applied work in infectious disease, environmental, social, and cancer epidemiology. Faculty research interests are diverse, ranging from research integrity and COVID-19 to GIS investigations of environmental contaminants and molecular exposures related to cancer etiology and progression. The Department is highlighted by its balanced delivery of epidemiological and biostatistical methods training, and looks to strengthen substantive areas of research and collaboration that build upon assets within the Department and School. The Department also seeks to

increase its emphasis on externally funded research endeavors and collaborations, while maintaining its commitment to training the next generation of epidemiologists.

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability employer committed to building a culturally diverse educational environment. Applications from women, minorities, and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged and will be actively sought. The University is aware that attracting and retaining exceptional faculty often depends on meeting the needs of two careers and therefore implements policies that contribute to work-life balance.

SPH Leaders are proactively engaged in strategies aimed to create and sustain an inclusive climate for all members. This means actively dismantling systems inhibiting progress in this realm, and building a professional work environment in which diversity of experiences, thoughts, personal and professional backgrounds (and more) are valued and leveraged to strengthen our school. We are purposeful in our efforts

to improve our own abilities in this realm, and engage in growth and learning opportunities in order to be better people, not just better leaders. We train lifelong learners, and therefore must model lifelong learning and development. We seek individuals who demonstrate their commitment to eradicating institutionalized barriers to progress across all realms (health, economic, education) in their leadership, research, teaching and/or service. Ideal candidates should be eager to continue and expand their efforts upon joining our team.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics or a closely related field, from an accredited school of public health or related educational institution. Candidates must also demonstrate a record of scholarly achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor, including a record of extramurally funded research, current funding or strong potential to secure external funding, the ability to collaborate across disciplines, and a positive team spirit. Important qualifications also include proven skills in mentoring professionals at all career stages, effective communications with a variety of academic and other stakeholders, and demonstrated ability to positively impact learning/workplace climate and in actively working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Application Instructions

Application materials must be submitted online at http://apply.interfolio.com/78665. Please provide: 1) curriculum vitae, 2) cover letter including managerial and leadership philosophy, managerial and leadership experience, and managerial and leadership training in preparation to Chair a Department, 3) a research statement 4) a statement of teaching interests, and 5) a diversity statement. Additionally, please provide a list of five (5) references; references will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.

Questions regarding this academic leadership opportunity may be sent to Dr. Eric Wilson, Assistant Dean for Accountability and Strategic Initiatives, at eric.wilson@tamu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.