Department Head - Biological Systems Engineering

Position Information

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). IANR seeks an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative leader who will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the department, advancing teaching, research, and extension and maximizing impact.

The department head will champion the university’s core values of accountability, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. The incumbent will value the unique contributions of agricultural, biological, and biomedical engineering research and education, and will promote teamwork and collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.

Biological Systems Engineering consists of over 250 undergraduate and graduate students, 38 faculty members, 16 staff members, and 8 postdoctoral fellows. The department offers three undergraduate degree programs, includes collaborations with the College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and works at the intersection of biological systems, agriculture, engineering, and biomedical research.

The head coordinates and promotes all aspects of the land‑grant mission within the department, manages financial and physical resources responsibly, and synthesizes a vision that is continuously revised for relevance and impact. The appointment is 70% administrative and 30% research, teaching, or extension, based on the candidate’s strengths. The position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the term is five years, renewable with satisfactory annual reviews.

UNL offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that is commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.

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, or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering will provide leadership and oversight of all BSE programming and initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and continuous improvement of the department’s vision and impact.

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

• A record of excellence in research evidenced by a portfolio of publications, extramural funding, and collaboration.
• A record of excellence in teaching in formal (e.g., classroom) and/or informal (e.g., Extension) 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

Pre‑Placement Driving Record Review Required. Criminal History Background Check Required.

Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty form, and attach the following required documents:

• A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision for the department.
• A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See  for guidance in writing this statement. Please attach as “Other Document.”
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of five professional references. References will be requested only from candidates who make the shortlist.

All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search website.

• Dr. Amy Schmidt, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair –
  aschmidt
• Dr. Larkin Powell, Search Advisory Committee co‑Chair –
  lpowell3
• Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist –
  rszelag2 or (402) 472‑5730
• For questions or accommodations related to this position, contact Rachel Szelag – rszelag2