Description
Position Summary
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy invites applicants for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics (PSET). This position is a full-time, twelve-month tenured appointment at the rank of Professor. The role includes 40% administrative leadership and 60% faculty responsibilities encompassing research, teaching, and professional service.
We seek a visionary leader to guide innovation and foster growth in pharmaceutical development and delivery systems. The Chair will play a pivotal role in advancing translational science and drug discovery activities by leveraging interdisciplinary strengths across departments, centers, and institutes. Qualified candidates may be considered for an Endowed Professorship in the college.
As the department’s chief academic and administrative officer, the Chair will be responsible for strategic planning, policy implementation, resource management, and program development. The Chair will serve on the College’s Executive Committee and report directly to the Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Promote and support individual and interdisciplinary research, ensuring alignment with graduate and professional programs and university priorities.
- Mentor and retain high-performing faculty who contribute to the success of the Department, College, and University.
- Maintain a successful research program.
- Establish and communicate a clear departmental vision, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for faculty, staff, and students.
- Manage departmental finances, maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring responsible fiscal oversight.
- Oversee and assign departmental faculty activities in alignment with departmental goals in instruction, research, and service.
- Ensure compliance with university, state, federal and funding agency policies and regulations.
- Serve as a member of the collegiate leadership team, helping guide strategic initiatives and resource allocation to achieve institutional goals.
- Conduct annual performance reviews, oversee promotion and tenure processes, and manage space and resource allocation within the department.
- Lead curricular innovation and enhance educational programs to meet evolving scientific and professional needs.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes.
The Department
The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics is home to a dynamic and collaborative community of seventeen faculty members, and over sixty graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scientists. The department leads innovative educational and research programs that advance pharmaceutical science.
Within PSET, there are two Ph.D. sub tracks:
These programs prepare students to become leaders in pharmaceutical research and development, with a strong emphasis on translational science and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The College
Founded in 1885, the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy has led the way in educating pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The College is recognized for excellence in pharmacy education, advanced practice models, patient care, drug discovery and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The College has two academic departments and offers three distinct educational programs: a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a Doctor of Philosophy degree, and post-graduate residency programs.
The College is housed in a state-of-the-art, universally designed facility—the first of its kind among U.S. health sciences educational facilities— providing a modern and collaborative environment for learning and research.
A key asset to the College is UI Pharmaceuticals, an FDA-registered manufacturing and pharmaceutical development facility that produces both sterile and non-sterile medications. This facility supports academic research and commercial partnerships, enhancing the College’s impact on pharmaceutical innovation and public health.
The University
The University of Iowa is a leading national research university, offering a rich academic environment across multiple colleges, including the Carver College of Medicine, College of Public Health, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Dentistry. This diverse academic landscape fosters robust interdisciplinary collaboration in both research and teaching.
The University of Iowa supports innovative research through a wide array of centers and institutes including, but not limited to, the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center.
More information may be found at (https://research.uiowa.edu/directory-centers-and-institutes). These centers offer exceptional opportunities for faculty to pursue translational and applied research aligned with one or more of these interdisciplinary initiatives.
The Community
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, a vibrant and welcoming community in southeastern Iowa. Known for its outstanding schools, rich cultural offerings, and active arts and music scene, Iowa City consistently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S. and is designated a UNESCO City of Literature.
To learn more about life in Iowa City and opportunities at the University of Iowa, please visit:
Benefits
The university offers a robust benefits package. For more information please visit https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits/employee-benefits/regular-faculty-staff-benefits. In addition to the base salary, this position provides an administrative stipend for the candidate while serving as DEO/Department Chair. The College of Pharmacy offers faculty a generous research productivity-based incentive program.
Application Process
Join us at the University of Iowa and help shape the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists. For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply by: November 30. 2025.
To apply, go to https://jobs.uiowa.edu and refer to requisition # 75798. Please submit an online application, CV, cover letter, and the contact information for a minimum of three professional references. To learn more about the position, please contact: Reza Nejad Nik, PhD., Search Committee Chair at reza-nejadnik@uiowa.edu. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D., or equivalent advanced degree in pharmaceutical or biomedical sciences.
- Demonstrated leadership or management experience in an academic/research environment.
- A strong academic/research record in a high-quality institution, including:
- A nationally recognized research program, evidenced by a sustained, competitive external funding and a robust publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- A record of excellence in teaching.
- Proven success in mentoring trainees in research.
- Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior academic administrative experience, such as serving as an assistant or associate division head, department chair, or assistant or associate Dean.
- Research interests that align with translational or applied science, particularly those that complement the work of interdisciplinary research centers and institutes at the University of Iowa. For more information go to: https://research.uiowa.edu/directory-centers-and-institutes.
