Professor & Department Chair - Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania invites applications for an accomplished academic and leader to serve as Department Chair, beginning Fall 2026. This position is a full-time, 9-month tenure-track appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor
. The Chair will serve as the department's academic and administrative leader and be responsible for providing forward-thinking and collaborative academic leadership in a department of eight full-time faculty and over 225 students. The Chair is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, working collaboratively to advance the strategic goals of the University, College, and Department. The area of specialization and expertise are open and should include the ability to teach undergraduate courses in at least one of the department's majors.

Responsibilities include teaching courses in the undergraduate Biological Science curriculum, academic advising, and active engagement in the administration of the Department and College including participation in recruiting and other events in support of student learning and alumni engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to engage in high impact practices including engaging undergraduate students in mentored research and other forms of hands-on experiential learning.

They will also possess deep expertise in the relevant subject matter including an ability to teach and supervise both lower and advanced-level courses. Carlow prizes excellence in teaching, but also values and requires scholarly pursuits, including interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as active service to the College, University, and community.

Successful candidates must be committed to envisioning the future of liberal arts and professional education in a rapidly changing environment; have experience working with diverse populations; and be able to articulate how they will contribute to Carlow University's Catholic, Mercy mission and values through their teaching, scholarship, and service.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Sustained record of teaching, service, and research achievements consistent with the rank of a tenure-track faculty.
• Two or more years of leadership, logistical, and organizational experience within an academic institution.
• Two or more years of leadership experience in a shared governance environment working with faculty and administration.
• Administrative, research, and teaching philosophies that align with the Department, College, and University's goals.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide visionary, collaborative, and consistent leadership in one of Carlow University's most dynamic and successful departments
• Manage human, financial, and physical resources to maximize department effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with College and University leadership; faculty and staff; and other stakeholders to advance the mission of the Department and University.
• Represent and advocate for the Department faculty, staff, students, and programs.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a team of faculty, staff, and students that exhibits and values excellence and innovation.
• Cultivate impactful relationships with community leaders, industry, and other stakeholders.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit a cover letter addressing position qualifications, Curriculum Vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three professional references by December 12, 2025. Only completed application packets will be advanced in consideration. Review will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made.

Carlow University is Devoted to....

• A culture of integrity, dignity and respect for all
• A strong commitment to social justice
• Ethical forward-thinking leadership
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life & disability benefits package
• Tuition benefits for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
• Complimentary use of Carlow's fitness center and amenities

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic University situated in a culturally rich urban setting of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, an international community of Roman Catholic women with a mission to serve the poor, the sick, and the uneducated. Carlow is an institution grounded in the liberal arts while also offering strong professional programs, committed to engaging its community in a process of life-long learning, scholarship, research, and service.

Degrees are offered at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Carlow University aims to provide transformational educational opportunities rooted in social justice for a diverse community of learners, and to empower them to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.

Carlow University employees…