A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) is seeking an exempt, full-time Department Chair and Associate/Full Professor Biochemistry on the Kirksville, Missouri campus. The Department Chair will model collaborative leadership, promote scholarly productivity, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion-ensuring the department continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM). The Department Chair is a highly visible, faculty, staff, and student facing position which requires residential face-to-face daily presence. This position reports to the Associate Dean Medical Education.
Duties & Responsibilities - Strategic Vision and Alignment - Provide strategic leadership; aligning departmental goals with KCOM and ATSU missions.
- Curriculum and Pedagogical Excellence - Cultivating excellence in teaching; advancing innovation in curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment; ensuring continuous improvement and quality enhancement.
- Faculty and Staff Development - Recruiting, retaining, and supporting exceptional personnel; mentoring faculty in teaching, research, and leadership; promoting professionalism and collegiality.
- Research and Scholarship Advancement - Promoting and supporting research, grant activity, and interdepartmental collaboration; encouraging interdisciplinary scholarship across ATSU.
- Resource and Operations Management - Managing departmental resources responsibly (budget, personnel, infrastructure).
- Culture and Climate Leadership - Fostering a collegial, inclusive, and high-performing departmental culture grounded in respect, integrity, and shared purpose.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance - Ensuring continuous improvement through meaningful assessment and quality enhancement initiatives.
- Internal and External Representation - Representing the department within the college and university; engaging in professional service in the broader academic community.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- PhD in Biochemistry or equivalent terminal degree in closely related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge in departmental area, higher education leadership, pedagogy, and scholarly research.
- Work experience: Greater than nine year. Knowledge: strong understanding of osteopathic principles and medical education preferred. Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, faculty mentorship, and program development; proven ability to lead collaboratively and communicate effectively across disciplines; administration experience in budgeting, strategic planning, and personnel management; commitment to diversity and innovation in medical education; knowledge of/or experience with osteopathic medical education is preferred.
- Skills: Excellent communication, mentorship, and interpersonal skills; Administrative competence in budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.
- Abilities: Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and unite faculty around shared goals; Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and research settings; Demonstrates integrity, empathy, and professionalism; Adaptable, organized, and solution-oriented; Passionate about advancing medical education, research, and the osteopathic mission.
ATSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverages, among more. If eligible, employee-elected benefits would begin the first of the month following hire date. For more information, please visit: atsu.edu/employment/benefits .
