Biomedical Engineering Department Head (with Faculty Rank)

The University of Minnesota (UMN) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department (BMED) in the College of Science and Engineering.

We seek a visionary and collaborative leader with a distinguished record of research, teaching, and service to guide the department to new heights of excellence. The successful candidate should possess strong leadership and management abilities, an interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty, and a deep commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should be able to work with diverse groups of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, and industry representatives. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic and collaborative leader who will shape the future of our Department of Biomedical Engineering and contribute to the advancement of education and research at the University of Minnesota. Above all, we are seeking a colleague who will lead and contribute to our department's collaborative and collegial environment and share in our commitment to excellence.

The Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department reports directly to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Andrew G. Alleyne. One term as Department Head is 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. The College is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community and who will build collaborative ties with other departments within the College and the University.

Departmental Leadership

• In collaboration with department faculty, promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs, strengths and talents of departmental personnel and with the vision and mission of the College and University;
• Maintain an equitable and inclusive work environment for BMED faculty and staff and support a collaborative culture that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Monitor the administrative, financial, and space management components of the department;
• Enhance recognition of the department on national and international stages;
• Together with departmental faculty, oversee curriculum delivery and development and assess educational outcomes;
• Promote and support high-impact research initiatives, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with external academic and industry partners;
• Raise funds from alumni and external partners in support of the department's missions of teaching, research, and service.

Faculty & Staff Oversight, Recruitment, and Development

• Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department's faculty members;
• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and, in conjunction with departmental faculty, identify areas of current need and future development for the department;
• Mentor and support junior and senior faculty in their professional growth, enhancing the department's academic and research profile;
• Oversee staff development and overall team effectiveness in an approachable, accessible, and respectful manner;
• In conjunction with college and university offices, facilitate and oversee processes related to recruitment, promotion, and tenure.

College and University Leadership

• Serve on the Dean's Administrative Council with other department heads and collegiate leadership;
• Report directly to the Dean and work with Associate Deans and other department heads to achieve collegiate goals;
• Participate in collegiate and university-level budget processes;
• Attend and participate in college, university, and external activities identified by the Dean as critical to the mission of the institution.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate in a field related to biomedical engineering.
• An outstanding record in research, teaching, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor in BMED at the University of Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to, or potential to, develop and articulate a clear vision for the future of biomedical engineering education and research.
• A proven track record of fostering a collaborative culture and building effective, diverse teams.
• Leadership experience or preparedness in academic administration, program development, and resource management.
• Experience in securing funding from government agencies, industry partners, and philanthropic sources.
• A dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department and the broader academic community.

The UMN Biomedical Engineering Department (BMED) is a dynamic and interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing human health through education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. It is located on the Minneapolis campus where engineering departments and the school of medicine are directly adjacent to one another, promoting strong collaborative ties with medical faculty and providing access to cutting-edge clinical research facilities. The BMED has grown steadily over more than 20 years, with excellent records of scholarship, education, and service and seeks continued growth in these areas.

The BMED ranks among the top biomedical engineering programs in the nation. There are 28 core faculty members and more than 80 faculty in the graduate program. The current research expenditure for the department is $14.4M/year. It is the home to about 160 declared undergraduates (juniors/seniors), 50 Master's students, 130 PhD students, and over 1000 alumni from our undergraduate program.

As a part of the University of Minnesota, BMED has access to world-class centers and facilities such as the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Earl Bakken Medical Devices Center, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, Imaging Center, Masonic Cancer Center, Center for Immunology, Institute for Engineering and Medicine, and Center for Neuroengineering.

Situated in the heart of the Twin Cities, the department is uniquely positioned within a thriving biomedical device and emerging biotechnology industry ecosystem, boasting over 600 biomedical companies in the region. This proximity offers exceptional opportunities for industry partnerships, technology transfer, and real-world impact through innovation.

About the College of Science and Engineering

Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University's programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the College is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The College includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.

About the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul form a vibrant metropolitan area known for its cultural diversity, quality of life, and strong economic base. It is home to about 4 million people and is renowned for its excellent food, music, and theater scenes.

As a major hub for the biomedical device industry, the Twin Cities region is home to over 600 biomedical companies, including industry leaders and innovative startups. This unique environment provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, research partnerships, and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

To be considered for this position, applications must be submitted through Interfolio [http://apply.interfolio.com/157750].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).