Job description

Hampton University invites applications for the position of Chairperson of the Department of Physics. The position is offered as a senior appointment with tenure.

Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading HBCU (Historically Black College and University) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, nonsectarian institution. Hampton University is classified as an R2 institution (Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity), aspiring to solidify its status and committed to growing toward R1 status. The metropolitan hub of Hampton Roads provides regional opportunities to partner with National Labs (such as Jefferson Laboratory or NASA Langley Research Center) and capital ventures.

The Department of Physics is among nine departments (Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Communicative and Speech Disorders, Marine and Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Physical Therapy) constituting the School of Science. The Department of Physics offers a 4-year undergraduate major degree in Physics (BS) as well as a minor in Physics. For more than three decades, the Department of Physics has been offering graduate programs with MS and PhD degrees in Physics with emphasis on Nuclear and Optical Physics. A new emphasis is being added on Plasma Physics and Fusion Science, and a program for MS and PhD in Medical Physics is in the planning stages. Hampton University is hosting a state-of-the-art facility for Proton Radiation Therapy (HUPCI), one of the largest in the Nation, offering unique physics research opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Department Chairperson at Hampton University serves in dual roles as administrator and as a senior faculty member. The Chairperson works with the Dean, Assistant Dean, and other faculty members, and reports directly to the Dean of the School of Science. The Chairperson is expected to work with the faculty to ensure smooth operations of the department, and to engage the faculty in shared governance by creating and coordinating department committees. The Chairperson fosters a departmental culture that supports the growth of the undergraduate and graduate programs and maintains a collegial and inclusive academic environment. The Chairperson represents the department within the University and externally, articulates its vision and advocates for resources that strengthen teaching, research, and student/faculty success. Further responsibilities and expectations include

• Creating a welcoming and supportive academic and physical environment for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff that attracts undergraduate students to choose their majors and minors in Physics and that enhances the graduate program
• Facilitating the growth and visibility of the department by modernizing the curriculum, encouraging interdisciplinary connections, and initiating innovative teaching and outreach activities that promote enrollment and enhance recruitment and retention
• Seeking external funding to expand the research enterprise and to provide scholarships
• Overseeing departmental functions, including scheduling classes, mentoring early-career scholars, and promoting collaborative research to ensure excellence in both teaching and research

Qualifications

• Earned PhD in Physics with significant academic experience
• Demonstrated outstanding records of leadership, research, teaching, scholarly activities, grantsmanship, and service
• Established networking relations providing leverage to grow the department
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of groups and populations
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals and groups representing a wide range of academic and administrative interests
• Salary range for this position is commensurate with experience

How to apply

Review of applications will begin after January 5, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae along with a list of publications, statements on teaching, research, and service, emphasizing their vision, to be prepared as a single PDF file. The applicant should arrange for at least three and up to five letters of recommendation. Applications and letters should be submitted electronically to the Dean of the School of Science, Dr. Taviare Hawkins, e-mail [email protected].