School Head of Physics and Astronomy
: Job Details :

Detailed Job Description

The School of Physics and Astronomy (SoPA) in the College of Science (COS) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is inviting applications for the position of Professor and School Head. RIT seeks a visionary and proven dynamic leader to serve as the Head of SoPA who will work with the faculty to implement a shared vision for the future of the School. As the chief academic, fiscal, and administrative officer of the School, the Head provides leadership, advocacy, oversight, and management. The Head is responsible for overseeing academic, student, faculty, and staff affairs, for leading the operational activities of the School, and for helping to facilitate the research, scholarship, teaching, and service/outreach activities of its members. The Head will work closely with the leadership team in COS on strategic planning and interdisciplinary initiatives, and will coordinate the development of a multi-year strategic plan for SoPA to complement those at the College and Institute levels. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

* Overseeing and continually improving the SoPA undergraduate and graduate program;

* Promoting research, scholarship and professional development;

* Encouraging discovery, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning opportunities for faculty, staff, and students;

* Fostering SoPA participation in interdisciplinary projects and programs, internally and externally;

* Fostering excellence in teaching quality and methodology;

* Recruiting and retaining top-tier faculty who are aligned with the strategic plans of SoPA, COS, and RIT;

* Supporting and advocating for faculty, staff, and students at all levels;

* Cultivating existing and prospective donors and research partners; and

* Effectively and equitably managing SoPA financial resources, faculty and staff plans of work, and space and facilities.

The successful candidate will be appointed with tenure at a faculty rank commensurate with previous experience, abilities, and qualities of leadership. SoPA Head appointments have five-year terms. The appointment as School Head is that of an employee at will, and continues at the sole discretion of the COS Dean.

We are seeking an individual who has the ability and interest in contributing to a community committed to student-centeredness; professional development and scholarship; integrity and ethics; respect, diversity and pluralism; innovation and flexibility; and teamwork and collaboration. Select to view links to RIT's core values, honor code, and statement of diversity.

Learn more about our excellent benefits, including tuition benefits, by visiting

Required Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a distinguished record of teaching and research. Required minimum qualifications: We seek an individual who is committed to the principles expressed in RIT's core values, honor code, and statement of diversity. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to facilitate and encourage collaboration across academic disciplines, to effectively manage a diverse body of faculty and staff with a variety of work plans, and to foster a broad faculty research portfolio. Qualifications consistent with the rank of tenured professor and the expectations for the Head of SoPA include:

* An earned doctorate in physics or related academic discipline;

* Significant leadership and administrative experience;

* A significant record of peer-reviewed scholarship and external funding;

* Evidence of ability to contribute to the university's commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences; and

* Evidence of teaching excellence and a commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.