Position Summary

The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy invites applicants for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics (PSET). This is a full-time, twelve-month tenured appointment at the rank of Professor. The role includes 40% administrative leadership and 60% faculty responsibilities encompassing research, teaching, and professional service.

We seek a visionary leader to guide innovation and foster growth in pharmaceutical development and delivery systems. The Chair will play a pivotal role in advancing translational science and drug discovery activities by leveraging interdisciplinary strengths across departments, centers, and institutes. Qualified candidates may be considered for an Endowed Professorship in the college.

As the department’s chief academic and administrative officer, the Chair will be responsible for strategic planning, policy implementation, resource management, and program development. The Chair will serve on the College’s Executive Committee and report directly to the Dean.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Promote and support individual and interdisciplinary research, ensuring alignment with graduate and professional programs and university priorities.


• Mentor and retain high-performing faculty who contribute to the success of the Department, College, and University.


• Maintain a successful research program.


• Establish and communicate a clear departmental vision, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for faculty, staff, and students.


• Manage departmental finances, maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.


• Oversee and assign departmental faculty activities in alignment with departmental goals in instruction, research, and service.


• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal and funding agency policies, and regulations.


• Serve as a member of the collegiate leadership team, helping guide strategic initiatives and resource allocation to achieve institutional goals.


• Conduct annual performance reviews, oversee promotion and tenure processes, and manage space and resource allocation within the department.


• Lead curricular innovation and enhance educational programs to meet evolving scientific and professional needs.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check. 

Please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. 

Join us at the University of Iowa and help shape the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists. For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply by: November 30. 2025.

Please submit an online application, CV, cover letter, and the contact information for a minimum of three professional references. To learn more about the position, please contact: Reza Nejad Nik, PhD., Search Committee Chair at reza-nejadnik@uiowa.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

• Ph.D., or equivalent advanced degree in pharmaceutical or biomedical sciences.

• Demonstrated leadership or management experience in an academic/research environment.


• A strong academic/research record in a high-quality institution, including:
  
  
  
  • A nationally recognized research program, evidenced by a sustained, competitive external funding and a robust publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  
  
  • A record of excellence in teaching.
  
  
  • Proven success in mentoring trainees in research. 
  
  
  
  


• Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

• Prior academic administrative experience, such as serving as an assistant or associate division head, department chair, or assistant or associate Dean.


• Research interests that align with translational or applied science, particularly those that complement the work of interdisciplinary research centers and institutes at the University of Iowa. For more information go to: https://research.uiowa.edu/directory-centers-and-institutes.