Position Description

The School of Public Health at Texas A&M University invites applications for consideration as Department Head and Professor (Tenured) for the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics. Located in College Station, TX on the flagship campus of the Texas A&M University System, the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health (SPH) has over 95 faculty across four distinct departments. Texas A&M University, a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, was the state’s first public institution of higher learning, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and boasts world-class resources. The School of Public Health is currently ranked #1 in Texas and 27/219 by U.S. News & World Report and has the 5^th largest student enrollment in the nation. The school has had record external funding growth over the past five years. This full-time, 9-month, hard-money-supported appointment would start Summer 2026, although this date is flexible.

The next department head will have the opportunity to build on the department’s strong foundation and craft a vision that will continue to foster scientific discovery and scholarly excellence. We seek a faculty-centered, student-supportive leader who will actively cultivate a dynamic environment in which all faculty, staff, and students will thrive.

The successful applicant will be an innovative thinker with a strategic vision for guiding the department to a higher level of excellence and who can communicate this vision to a constituency that includes academia, government, industry, and current and former students. The candidate must have notable accomplishments and experience in academic leadership, research, teaching, and scholarship.

The successful applicant should have:

• a robust portfolio of published research in public health and related fields, including a history of securing extramural funding and leading significant research projects;
• a proven record of mentoring students and junior faculty, fostering their professional growth and development;
• a distinguished record of scholarly contributions, including teaching, publications, and active engagement in academic communities; and
• experience in leadership and/or academic administration for managing academic unit operations and strategic planning.

Candidates must demonstrate a transparent vision for supporting, directing, and enhancing the goals of the department. This leadership position includes research and teaching as well as expanding the department’s interdisciplinary research.

The department head will:

• engage the department’s faculty and staff in defining its vision for the future, in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic plan;
• demonstrate transparent leadership and excellent administrative skills;
• model and create collaborative approaches to promote and integrate accountability in the research, teaching, and service work of the department;
• continue to demonstrate successful academic accomplishments that are commensurate with the rank of full professor;
• promote growth of the department in research excellence and graduate education;
• lead and motivate high standards for continued excellence and innovation in undergraduate education;
• provide effective budget management; and
• promote an environment of integrity to stimulate faculty, staff, and students to succeed at the highest levels.

Resources

The Department Head for the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics oversees 13 tenured and tenure track faculty members, five non-tenure earning faculty members, and one full-time staff position. The Department offers an MPH and a DrPH degree with concentrations in Epidemiology, as well as an online-exclusive MPH degree. The department also supports the school’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree.

The Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics is dedicated to advancing scholarly inquiry across a range of areas, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, social epidemiology, environmental health, One Health, epidemiologic modeling, and other timely topics. Our faculty engage in interdisciplinary research and creative activities that span various disciplines, expertise, and interests.

Faculty have led numerous projects aiming to understand factors influencing health and healthcare behaviors, track emerging infectious diseases, define environmental health risks, and identify physiological markers of disease. Faculty members conduct environmental and biomedical research within shared laboratory spaces, contributing to public health advancements. They have successfully secured both internal and extramural funding from prestigious sources such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, private foundations, and other entities. Ultimately, our collective efforts strive to improve population health at the state, national, and global levels.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or an adjacent field from an accredited school of public health or related educational institution, though preference will be given to applicants with training in epidemiology. Candidates must demonstrate a record of scholarly achievement, the ability to collaborate across disciplines, and a positive team spirit. Important qualifications also include proven skills in mentoring professionals at all career stages, effective communication with a variety of academic and other stakeholders, demonstrated ability to positively impact learning/workplace climate, and the potential to contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations.   

Application Instructions

Applicants can apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/167473 Please provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) cover letter outlining managerial and leadership philosophy, managerial and leadership experience, and managerial and leadership preparation to head a Department, (3) personal statement including philosophy and plans for research and teaching. Additionally, please provide a list of five (5) references; references will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.

Questions regarding this academic leadership opportunity may be sent to Dr. Eric Wilson, Assistant Dean for Accountability and Strategic Initiatives, at eric.wilson@tamu.edu .  You may also contact the Search Chair, Dr. Adam E. Barry (aebarry@tamu.edu).

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.