Department Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Department Chair

Department of Biomedical Engineering

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering.  The department seeks a leader who can realize our vision of becoming the foremost department in biomedical engineering in the education of students grounded in Ohio State’s shared values. This position will start as early as August 2026. 

Position Overview

The Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering should be a bold leader who can envision innovative ways for the department to educate the next generation of biomedical engineering leaders, to enhance the department’s reputation and engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, and to leverage the unique strengths of The Ohio State University’s environment and alumni base. The Department of Biomedical Engineering Chair will use their effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster community amongst department students, faculty, and staff as well as lead a highly varied faculty that currently includes over 28 primary faculty in tenure track, professional practice, and lecturer positions and affiliated faculty from multiple  departments across campus. It is anticipated that the Department will grow in size and influence over the next 5 to 10 years.  Through their strong record of ethical behavior, integrity,transparency, guidance of difficult conversations, and facilitation of synergistic collaborations the Chair cultivates and sustains a thriving environment that encourages people to meet their full potential. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty and staff development, hiring, and retention; undergraduate and graduate student recruitment and retention.; and strategic relationship building.

Performance Objectives

The Department Chair is the administrative head of the department, representing the faculty in dealings with the dean and university administration. The Chair is appointed for a term of four years, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administrative Leadership:
• Oversee the department's programs and operations.
• Develop and maintain a pattern of administration in consultation with faculty.
• Ensure efficient and timely operation of departmental business.
2. Faculty Collaboration:
• Schedule regular faculty meetings and maintain minutes.
• Consult with faculty on policy matters and ensure majority faculty rule is respected.
• Involve faculty in the selection and review of new members.
3. Personnel Management:
• Prepare criteria and procedures for appointments, dismissals, salary adjustments, promotions, and tenure.
• Evaluate faculty periodically and inform them of their rights regarding personnel files.
• Recommend faculty appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the dean.
4. Academic and Research Excellence:
• Encourage research and educational investigations.
• Promote improvement of instruction through course evaluations and reviews.
• Ensure equitable distribution of faculty duties in instruction, scholarship, and service.
5. Budget and Resource Management:
• Prepare annual budget recommendations in consultation with faculty.
• Plan regular evaluations of instructional and administrative processes for improvement.
6. External Engagement & Advancement
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement and designated staff.

Reporting Structure: The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Earned doctorate in biomedical engineering, or a closely related field
• The professional qualifications and credentials necessary to be appointed at the rank of full professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Demonstrated expertise as an innovative scholar in biomedical engineering research characterized by robust external funding and publications in top disciplinary journals
• A demonstrated record of, and strong commitment to, Ohio State’s shared values.
• Proven administrative experience in an academic setting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to faculty collaboration and academic excellence.
• Strong commitment to the growth and development of faculty and staff.
• Committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement, consistently engaging in reflective practices to enhance leadership effectiveness and personal growth.
• Ability to develop, articulate and execute a strong strategic vision for the Department of Biomedical Engineering and to lead cultural changes in support of this mission

Desired:

• A collaborative leadership style that builds and grows relationships within, and between, the Department, College and University, and external stakeholders, such as alumni, parents, business, government and the local community
• A commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary education at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• A record of service to, and leadership of, the profession within a university or research organization
• Demonstrated ability and/or previous experience working collaboratively with college and university administrators and leaders to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial stewardship, including responsible resource allocation, revenue generation through fundraising, and effective delegation to optimize organizational performance.
• Proven leadership in dynamic, high-pressure environments with a strong track record of conflict resolution, team empowerment, and adaptive decision-making.

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the Dean of the College of Engineering and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: Leadership CV (do not include pictures in your CV): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: A vision for the role of a Biomedical Engineering department in preparing the next generation of biomedical engineering leaders.
• Attachment 4: Leadership Style Statement. Outline your leadership style—such as collaborative, inclusive, or strategic—and provide concrete examples of administrative experience, including team management, program development, and operational oversight. The statement should demonstrate how your leadership approach aligns with Ohio State's shared values and should detail how your leadership will support organizational goals within Ohio State

Please do not include a list of references with your application. We will request this information when we need it.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Robert Siston at [email protected].

Application review:

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2025.

Apply here.