DescriptionDepartment Chair and Tenure Track Associate/Full Professor Position in Biologic and Material Sciences & ProsthodonticsThe University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor invites qualified applications for the chair position in the Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and credentials.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Professor or Professor on the tenure track to lead a vibrant, growing, and well-established department. The department faculty spans fundamental science, translational research, and prosthodontics. The chair is responsible for leading the department faculty members in support of the DDS program (didactic, preclinical, and clinical); advancing an outstanding graduate program in Prosthodontics; participating in PhD programs; fostering access to cutting-edge resources to enable high-quality, rigorous scholarship for faculty and trainees; and implementing strategic plans to strengthen academic and clinical missions through recruitment and community building.
This large department is inclusive, creative, and dynamic, featuring strong research and clinical faculty. Current research foci include bone biology, computational biology, craniofacial development and disease, materials science, microbiology and immunology, neurobiology, organ development, pain research, stem cell biology, salivary gland biology, tissue engineering, and clinical research. There is a long history of collaborative, multidisciplinary research, and many faculty members hold joint appointments within the university (e.g., Medical School and College of Engineering). In the prosthodontic arena, major research emphasis is on innovative approaches to patient care by integrating contemporary technologies for crowns, bridges, and implants.
The department chair leads and manages the department in alignment with the school's strategic plan. Responsibilities include planning, goal setting, financial stewardship, faculty development, oversight of graduate and DDS educational programs, and support of school and university teaching, service, clinical, & research missions.
QualificationsThe successful candidate has a DDS/DMD and/or a PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree. Top candidates will have an international reputation as a scholar with outstanding and innovative research accomplishments, demonstrated leadership experience and knowledge of key aspects of education and patient care in modern academic dentistry.
Application Instructions Interested candidates should submit the following via the secure Interfolio link:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Interests and Goals related to this position (up to 3 pages)
- Contact information for three references (references will be contacted at the finalist stage)
Questions regarding the position and responsibilities should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Vesa Kaartinen ([redacted]). For questions regarding the application or search process, please contact the Administrative Specialist, Melanie LaPointe ([redacted]).
Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, so we encourage applicants to please apply as soon as possible. The search committee plans to begin reviewing applications in late November 2026.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and may involve an institutional reference check regarding misconduct. Applicants may also be required to complete a self-disclosure form and an authorization to release information.
