Chemistry Department Chair

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Job Summary

Morgan State University (MSU), Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution with High Research Activity (R2). It is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and services. In the last five years, this bustling HBCU has increased its enrollment by more than 50%, from 7,600 to 11,600 students, and has tripled its research grant output from about $30 million per year to over $100 million per year in 2024-2025. MSU offers innovative, inclusive, and distinctive educational experiences to a broad cross-section of the population in a comprehensive range of disciplines at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree levels, totaling more than 160-degree programs, including 31 doctoral programs.

The MSU School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Chemistry. SCMNS seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered academic leader with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.

The Chair will provide strategic leadership for the Department of Chemistry and advance the University’s mission as Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University. SCMNS offers four PhD, seven master’s, and nine bachelor’s degree programs. The Department of Chemistry offers an American Chemical Society-certified BS in Chemistry program and jointly offers the multidisciplinary MS in Integrated Science, PhD in Bioenvironmental Science, and PhD in Integrated Materials Science programs

The successful candidate will promote academic innovation, enhance research productivity and external funding, support faculty development, and strengthen student success at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative faculty appointment with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The appointment will carry faculty rank at the Full Professor level, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Reporting directly to the SCMNS Dean, the Chair serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Department of Chemistry.

Job Duties

The Department of Chemistry at Morgan State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The department supports innovative scientific inquiry and prepares students for careers in industry, education, healthcare, government, and advanced study. The Department Chair will:

• Provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the Department of Chemistry.
• Lead departmental planning, assessment, ACS certification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, including curriculum development and program assessment.
• Advance student recruitment, retention, graduation, and post-graduate success initiatives.
• Support and mentor faculty in teaching, research, scholarly productivity, promotion, and tenure processes.
• Advance externally funded research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry, government agencies, alumni, and community organizations.
• Foster a collegial and inclusive departmental climate grounded in shared governance and academic excellence.
• Represent the department within the University and in professional and scientific communities.
• Teach courses and maintain an active scholarly agenda appropriate to rank and discipline.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

• Administrative experience at the department, college, or university level.
• Experience with ACS certification, program assessment, and strategic planning.
• Record of successful external funding and research program development.
• Experience fostering partnerships with industry, federal agencies, or research institutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in STEM education and research.
• Experience supporting graduate education and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, such as program coordination, committee leadership, center administration, or departmental administration.
• Evidence of successful research activity, including publications and/or externally funded grants.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and faculty development.

Other Preferences for Consideration

Statement of research accomplishments and future plans.

Posting Detail Information

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Are you a current, past, or retired Morgan State University employee? Are you a current, past, or retired State employee? If YES to current, past, or retired STATE employee, please state the agency. If not applicable, put N/A.
   • (Open Ended Question)
2. How did you hear about this employment Opportunity?
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • EDULedger (formerly Diverse Issues in Higher Ed)
   • Higher Ed Jobs
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Insight into Academia (formerly Insight into Diversity)
   • LinkedIn
   • Mid-Atlantic HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • Other Online Advertising
   • Agency Referral
   • Website
   • MSU Careers Website
3. Do you have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or equivalent from an accredited college or university?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Statement of Interest

Optional Documents

1. Supporting Document
2. Reference Letter