Position Information

Position Information

Working Title
Department Head - Biological Systems Engineering

Department
Biological Systems Engineering-0833

Requisition Number
F_260073

Posting Open Date
07/09/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
08/20/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Description of Work

The head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering is charged with coordinating and promoting all aspects of the land-grant mission within the department. The incumbent provides leadership and oversight of all BSE programming and initiatives. The department has three undergraduate degree programs, two of which are granted through the College of Engineering and one of which is granted through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). While the department maintains a strong working relationship with the College of Engineering, administrative reporting lines, department finances and personnel are managed through IANR.

The incumbent manages financial and physical resources responsibly to maximize the effectiveness of those resources, exhibiting fiscal discipline and transparency. The head synthesizes a vision for BSE with input from faculty, staff, and stakeholders that encompasses all expertise areas, seeks and deploys personnel and financial resources strategically, and ensures that the strategic vision is continuously examined for relevancy, and refreshed as needed.

This is an 70% administrative appointment, with the remaining 30% being negotiable based on research, teaching, and Extension interests. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The department head will be appointed to a five-year renewable term, subject to satisfactory annual reviews and a formal reappointment process.

UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a field relevant to the department.
• Accomplishments commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment in Biological Systems Engineering at the rank of full professor.
• Demonstrated ability to create a shared vision and align resources to achieve strategic outcomes.
• A record of leadership and outcomes that demonstrate an abiding commitment to practices that enhance access and belongingness.
• Exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relations.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of excellence in research evidenced by a portfolio of publications, extramural funding, and collaboration.
• A record of excellence in teaching in formal (e.g., classroom) and/or informal (e.g., Extension) settings.
• An ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
• Evidence of using data and/or fact-based information to navigate complex situations and make strategic decisions.
• An understanding of systems and networks that encourage and support entrepreneurial activities.
• Sensitivity to the perspectives and values of faculty, staff, and students.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

Posted Salary

How to Apply

Click "Apply for this Job," complete the faculty form and attach the following required documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision for the department.
2. A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement. Please attach as "Other Document."
3. A detailed curriculum vitae.
4. The names and contact information of five professional references. References will be requested only from candidates who make the short list.

All candidate information will be held in confidence until the final stage of the search, at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before making their candidacy public. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search website.

Questions can be directed in confidence to:

Dr. Amy Schmidt, Search Advisory Committee co-Chair
Professor, Biological Systems Engineering
[email protected]

Dr. Larkin Powell, Search Advisory Committee co-Chair
Director, School of Natural Resources
[email protected]

For questions and assistance with submitting the application contact Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist at [email protected] or by phone at (402) 472-5730.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Rachel Szelag - [email protected]

Job Category

Job Category (old)
Academic Administrative

Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location
Default Location