Position overview

Job Summary

Purdue University seeks a highly accomplished scholar and visionary, innovative, leader as Head of the Department of Animal Sciences who is dedicated to promoting excellence in and advocating for our diverse teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs. The Head provides transparent leadership to foster academic growth and professional development, recruitment, and retention of diverse and talented faculty, students, and staff. The Head is charged with providing leadership that supports preeminent research programs, preparing students to become high-performing professionals, fostering an inclusive environment, and cultivating productive relationships with numerous stakeholder groups. 

The department

Housed in the newly built (2018) Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences, the Department provides 90,000 ft2 of state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, extension and research. Also new and connected to Creighton Hall is the Land O’Lakes, Inc. Center for Experiential Learning and Purina Pavilion that provides an abattoir, meats and sensory laboratories, and a 7,800 ft2 pavilion. The Department consists of 28 faculty, 31 professional staff, 78 graduate students and post-doctoral associates, 17 clerical and service staff, and has a strong working relationship with the on-site USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit. Animal Sciences has the largest undergraduate program within the College of Agriculture with ~675 students. Students are provided a robust curriculum including a variety of options for transformational activities. Graduate degree programs are offered at both the MS and PhD levels. Animal research and teaching facilities for aquaculture, beef, dairy, poultry, sheep and swine are located 11 miles from campus. Additional research and educational facilities are located at outlying Purdue Agricultural Centers. The Department's internationally recognized research and extension programs have applications in both biomedical sciences and animal agriculture. The current departmental budget is in excess of $18.9 million per year which includes $5.2 million in extramural support.  

the college

The Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked fifth in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. The College is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension), to international activities and perspectives that span all missions, and to excellence in all we do. The College of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Sciences are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Our leadership, faculty, staff, and students are engaged in many efforts that are consistent with this commitment. The College has 11 academic departments and includes 309 faculty, 2889 undergraduate students, and 700 graduate students. Learn more about the College’s current Strategic Plan.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in animal science or a related field and eligibility for tenure at the rank of professor. A record of distinguished scholarly achievement that demonstrates excellence in leadership, and superior communication and outreach skills. A demonstrated ability to work successfully within the framework of a large university and with external groups and stakeholders. A commitment to actively supporting and promoting the College’s strategic goals within the Department and a deep understanding of the land-grant philosophy. The successful candidate must be able to articulate and advocate the vision and goals of the Department. Interest and experience in international activities are highly desirable. Purdue is an ADVANCE institution.

Application procedure

Qualified persons must submit the following:

• a letter of application;
• a statement of the applicant’s vision and administrative philosophy, emphasizing their ability to provide leadership in research, teaching, and extension; and their ability to foster faculty, staff, and student development;
• a complete curriculum vitae, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail for three references; initial nominations and inquiries will be kept confidential; references will be contacted only upon approval of the applicant.

Nominations of outstanding potential candidates are welcomed. Applications, nominations, and inquiries should be addressed to: Dr. Senay Simsek, Department Head of Food Science and Chair of the Search Committee, Purdue University. All application materials must be submitted electronically as a single pdf.

Application review will begin January 3, 2024 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Senay Simsek at (765) 494-8257 or ssimsek@purdue.edu. A background check is required for employment in this position. 

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.