Founding Director and Professor of Biomedical Sciences

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Schaumburg, IL

College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy

Founding Director and Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Roosevelt University in its search for Founding Director and Professor of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy.

For full consideration, please apply by March 19, 2025.

This is a rare opportunity to build, shape and lead, working closely with executive leadership at Roosevelt University (RU), a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, nationally recognized for its dedication to advancing equity and diversity in STEM education. As a senior-level tenure-track or tenured faculty, the Director of Biomedical Sciences will design and lead the launch of innovative graduate programs, including an M.S. and Ph.D. in Integrated Biomedical Sciences, positioning RU as a leader in fostering interdisciplinary biomedical education. With a student body that includes 42% first generation students and a strong commitment to serving underrepresented populations in STEM, RU is ranked among the Top 20 Best Colleges for Women in STEM. This position offers the chance to leave a lasting impact leading an initiative at the cornerstone of the university’s strategic growth and its vision for building programs that empower students and advance the field of biomedical sciences.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of RU’s growth and innovation under its “Producing Research and Innovation through a Mentoring Ecosystem” (RU PRIME) initiative as funded by the U.S. Department of Education under a highly selective, multi-year grant award. RU PRIME reflects the university’s commitment to invest in a set of self-sustained and integrated graduate degree programs supporting underrepresented STEM students from entry into RU through graduation. This role requires a dynamic leader who can foster a student-centered, inclusive environment while ensuring that the RU PRIME initiative’s goals are met and sustained.

The Director will establish a faculty research cluster focused on biomedical sciences and lead two program development areas. In collaboration with RU faculty and leadership, they will design, earn accreditation for, and implement two graduate degree programs (an MS degree initially, with a Ph.D. program to follow). Additionally, they will contribute to developing a vertically integrated research ecosystem supporting underrepresented STEM students.

This position reports to the Chair of the Department and is a full-time exempt faculty position with occasional evening and weekend work required. The primary location for this position will be at the Schaumburg campus. Due to the nature of the funding for this position, sponsorship will not be possible.

This is an on-campus role. However, the College offers a 4-day work week during the summer months.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Program Development and Leadership (50%):
    • Build the Integrated Biomedical research cluster, including recruiting and hiring new faculty, and providing mentorship to support faculty success in teaching, research, and service
    • Engage market and trends data to create, ad guide through internal governance and accreditation, new biomedical degree programs, e.g. M.S. and Ph.D. Integrated Biomedical Sciences
    • Create and manage course schedules to be student-centric in flexibility and convenience
    • Deploy universal design, Quality Matters (or similar), and experiential learning solutions to continually improve curricula
    • Teach a reduced course load of core and/or elective courses in biomedical sciences each year
  • Research and Faculty Mentorship (25%):
    • Continue an active agenda of research that will broaden the discipline and reflect the future of the field
    • Continue to seek and acquire external funding
    • Guide and mentor junior faculty in the development of active, grant-funded research agendas
    • Direct student research towards advanced degrees
  • Program Administration (25%):
    • Serve as part of the Schaumburg Campus leadership team by being an active participant in campus events as well as in the broader academic, business, and governmental communities
    • Lead recruitment, hiring and development of college faculty (full-time and adjunct) and staff
    • Promote excellence and diversity in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff
    • Build, mentor, and empower a faculty body of full-time and adjunct instructors
    • Collaborate with Roosevelt University’s Student Success and Student Affairs teams toward continually improving support, retention, graduation rate, and professional prospects for RU students
    • Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing team toward growing both domestic and international student bodies for the specified degree programs
    • Manage program budget, monitoring and assuring alignment of expenditures with college and university strategic plan, as well as fiscal responsibility and accountability
    • Work with admissions staff in marketing and recruitment of students
    • Meet with admissions staff as needed to explain programs and career opportunities related to those programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrate experience in program development, faculty mentoring, and academic leadership at a senior level
  • Excellent communication skills and outstanding teaching experience
  • Comprehensive knowledge in an area of biomedical sciences, with a history of leadership in diverse and inclusive settings
  • A strong publication history supported by external funding, reflecting a high level of research productivity and impact
  • Demonstrated action toward forwarding social justice, a record of creating a climate of inclusivity, and evidence of support and respect for all students and colleagues, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds
  • Reflect the innovation and entrepreneurship incumbent to STEM fields that can evolve current degree programs and update current programs
  • Understand how a backward mapped pedagogical approach creates a positive learning experience
  • Experience with the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment, through relevant college service, or as course instructor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences or related field
  • At least five (5) years’ experience in academia, including at least three (3) years in academic leadership role(s), such as director, department chair, department head or other relevant academic leadership
  • Eligible for appointment at rank of associate or full professor based on a strong record of effective instruction and high-quality scholarship

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience serving diverse students and understanding and fulfilling their sometimes unique academic and complementary needs and aims
  • Prior service and mentorship of doctoral candidates’ research
  • Earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, or another regional accreditor, for new graduate degree programs.
  • Demonstrated excitement and intrigue for the innovative fields within biomedicine and be eager to dream, create, and develop best practices focused on students’ academic endeavors

About the Institution

Roosevelt University is a private university located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, known for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and diversity. Founded in 1945 during a time of racial and religious discrimination in higher education, Roosevelt was established to provide equitable access to quality education for students of all backgrounds. The university’s mission continues to emphasize social equity, community engagement, and academic innovation, making it a standout institution in the Midwest. With a student body that represents over 40 countries, Roosevelt offers a truly global and inclusive campus environment.

Roosevelt University has two campuses: the main campus in downtown Chicago and a suburban campus in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Chicago campus is located in the bustling Loop, offering students access to cultural, professional, and networking opportunities, while the Schaumburg campus provides a more traditional suburban setting with modern facilities and a focus on community engagement.

The university features more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across fields like business, education, arts and sciences, and performing arts. From cutting-edge facilities like the LEED-certified Wabash Building to a plethora of cultural and professional opportunities, Roosevelt University equips its students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Living in the Area

Living in the Chicago metro area offers a unique combination of vibrant urban living, cultural richness, and professional opportunities. As the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States, Chicago boasts a diverse population and a dynamic mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Residents have access to world-class museums, theaters, and music venues, as well as iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Navy Pier. The city’s thriving food scene ranges from deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting its multicultural heritage.

Living in Schaumburg offers a quieter, suburban alternative to Chicago while still providing access to excellent amenities and a strong sense of community. Known for its spacious homes, excellent schools, and expansive parks, Schaumburg is ideal for families and those seeking a slower pace of life. The suburb boasts the Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the country, and is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Its proximity to major highways and public transit makes commuting to Chicago convenient, though Schaumburg itself offers plenty to keep residents engaged. It’s a great mix of suburban comfort and metropolitan accessibility.

The Chicago metro area is also a hub for career opportunities, with industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, education, and the arts thriving in the region. Its robust public transportation system, including the “L” trains and Metra commuter rail, makes it easy to navigate both the city and the suburbs. Additionally, the area’s diverse housing options, ranging from downtown high-rises to quiet suburban homes, offer something for everyone. With its vibrant energy, professional prospects, and endless entertainment, the Chicago metro area is an exciting and fulfilling place to live.

How to apply

For full consideration, please apply by March 19, 2025.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyovst4

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected].

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].

Institution’s EEO Statement

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: Roosevelt University requires all new hires to be compliant with our COVID-19 vaccination policy, found at the COVID-19 website. Documentation will be required should an offer of employment be made.

Title IX Contact Information: Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. At Roosevelt University, the Title IX Coordinator is Natasha Robinson. Her office is located in the Auditorium Building of the Chicago campus, 430 S. Michigan Avenue. She can be reached at 312-281-3245 or [email protected].

Roosevelt University is an independent, non-profit, metropolitan university with two distinct campuses located in downtown Chicago and suburban Schaumburg, Illinois. With a rich history and progressive curricula featuring 126 degree programs, we are committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Our award-winning faculty and dedicated staff take pride in pushing Roosevelt’s remarkably diverse students to the limits of achievement, inspiring the transformation of lives and communities through the principles of social justice.