Chair and Professor or Associate Professor, Department of BioMolecular Sciences

Department:

The Department of BioMolecular Sciences is home to 21 faculty, 18 staff members and 32 graduate students across four divisions: Environmental Toxicology; Medicinal Chemistry; Pharmacognosy; and Pharmacology. Departmental faculty have teaching responsibilities in several degree programs, including B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences; Pharm.D.; an online M.S. in Dietary Supplements and Medical Cannabis; and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in each of our four divisions. The Department of BioMolecular Sciences is part of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, a highly research-active school with $17.7 million in extramural research funding in FY2025.

Job Summary:

The Department of BioMolecular Sciences in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Mississippi (https://olemiss.edu/bms/) is inviting applications for Department Chair, with the position available immediately upon hire. This full-time, 12-month, tenured/tenure-eligible position will be filled at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

Job Description:

The Chair of the Department is responsible for the leadership and administration of departmental efforts in teaching, research and service; support of the professional development of departmental faculty and staff; overseeing the development and delivery of curriculum in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs; and recruitment and retention of departmental students, staff and faculty. The position interacts heavily with faculty and staff in other academic and research units of the School of Pharmacy and the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences including the National Center for Natural Products Research, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, and the Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence.

Job Responsibilities (examples of work performed and essential functions)

Acceptable candidates must have proven administrative skills, including budgeting and fiscal management, personnel management (preferably in an academic setting), and a commitment to excellence in graduate biomedical education and excellence in pharmacy education. Candidates shall be committed to the recruitment, professional development and retention of faculty, staff and students. The candidate is also expected to carry out duties consistent with their faculty title in teaching and research.

Minimum Qualifications (education and experience)

Candidates must have a nationally-recognized research program, as evidenced by a distinguished publication record and recurrent as well as current success in securing competitive extramural funding. Candidates must have teaching, leadership and management experience within an academic setting. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a closely related field to one of the four divisions in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences (Environmental Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmacology). Candidates must have a track record and experience commensurate with appointment as Associate or Full Professor within the School of Pharmacy. Rank and tenure are negotiable upon hire and require University approvals.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted through the University of Mississippi’s employment site at https://olemiss.edu/hr/um-careers/. Applications must include: 1) a cover letter (including a description of qualifications, administrative philosophy and vision); 2) a current curriculum vita; 3) a statement of prior administrative, management and leadership experience (up to 2 pages); 4) a statement of teaching interests (1 page); 5) a statement of research vision (up to 2 pages); and 6) contact information for three references capable of evaluating the candidate’s potential ability to successfully perform in the position of department chair.

For additional information, please contact Prof. Joshua Sharp, Search Committee Chair (jsharp@olemiss.edu). Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026 and will continue until an adequate applicant pool is established and suitable candidates are selected.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 28,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!

Job Responsibilities:

Acceptable candidates must have proven administrative skills, including budgeting and fiscal management, personnel management (preferably in an academic setting), and a commitment to excellence in graduate biomedical education and excellence in pharmacy education.

Candidates shall be committed to the recruitment, professional development and retention of faculty, staff and students. The candidate is also expected to carry out duties consistent with their faculty title in teaching and research.

Education Qualifications:

PhD (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.