Department Head - Biological Systems Engineering

Position Overview

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). The Department of Biological Systems Engineering has over 250 undergraduate and graduate students, 38 faculty members, 16 staff members, and 8 postdoctoral fellows. The department is uniquely positioned for transdisciplinary work at the intersection of biological systems, agriculture, engineering, and biomedical research.

The head is responsible for coordinating and promoting all aspects of the land‑grant mission within the department, providing intellectual and strategic leadership, and overseeing all BSE programming and initiatives. The incumbent manages financial and physical resources responsibly, synthesizes a department vision with input from faculty, staff, and stakeholders, and ensures continuous enhancement of that vision. This is a 70% administrative appointment with the remaining 30% negotiable based on research, teaching, and Extension interests.

The Department Head will:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all BSE programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate relationships and collaborations across the College of Engineering, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and other institutional units.
• Manage departmental finances and resources, ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Synthesize a vision for BSE that incorporates diverse expertise, deploys resources strategically, and adapts the vision as needed.
• Promote a campus culture of accountability, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, and social responsibility.
• Model and encourage a collaborative and supportive environment for faculty, staff, and students.

• Ph.D. in a field relevant to the department.
• Accomplishments commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of full professor in Biological Systems Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to create a shared vision and align resources to achieve strategic outcomes.
• A record of leadership and outcomes that demonstrate a commitment to practices that enhance access and belongingness.
• Exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relations.

• Record of excellence in research evidenced by a portfolio of publications, extramural funding, and collaboration.
• Record of excellence in teaching in formal and/or informal settings.
• Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
• Evidence of using data and/or fact‑based information to navigate complex situations and make strategic decisions.
• Understanding of systems and networks that encourage and support entrepreneurial activities.
• Sensitivity to the perspectives and values of faculty, staff, and students.

Lincoln, NE

• A letter of interest describing qualifications, anticipated contributions, and vision for the department.
• A statement describing team‑based experience and anticipated contributions to an inclusive environment (maximum 2 pages). Guidance is available at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of five professional references (references will be requested only from shortlisted candidates).

All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search.

Questions can be directed in confidence to:
Dr. Amy Schmidt, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair, Professor, Biological Systems Engineering,
aschmidt
Dr. Larkin Powell, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair, Director, School of Natural Resources,
lpowell3
For application assistance:
Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist,
rszelag2
, (402) 472‑5730.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See .

UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.