Department Head - Statistics

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, United States

Updated: 22 days ago
Location: Lincoln, NEBRASKA
Deadline: ;

Position Information
Position Information


Working Title Department Head - Statistics
Department Statistics IANR-0832
Requisition Number F_230209
Posting Open Date 12/19/2023
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 02/05/2024
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites nominations and applications for the position of Head of the Department of Statistics. IANR is seeking an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative person who will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the department. We are looking for an effective leader who understands university teaching and research and who will be able to use their knowledge and skills to help the department maximize its impact. The incumbent will be one who appreciates the unique contributions of statistics and data analytics research and education and how faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders can work together to address the most important challenges facing industry and society. The successful department head will be a collaborative and inspiring leader who puts the success of the department above their individual accomplishments in the role.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan , every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
This is a 12-month (calendar year), tenured, 100% administrative appointment. 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 review.
Position Overview
The Head of the Department of Statistics is charged with coordinating and promoting all aspects of our land-grant mission within the department. The incumbent provides leadership and oversight of all Statistics programming and initiatives.
With 14 faculty members, the head fosters an inclusive culture in which all contributions to the team are appreciated and recognized, collaboration and innovation are encouraged, and the abilities of all are engaged to fully realize the potential of the team and of each team member. The incumbent manages financial and physical resources responsibly to maximize the effectiveness of those resources, exhibiting fiscal discipline and transparency and using best fiscal management practices. The head ensures opportunities are open to all, programs are inclusive of all constituencies, and efforts are made to engage diverse audiences, especially those that are traditionally underrepresented. They synthesize a vision for the Department of Statistics with input from faculty, staff, and stakeholders that encompasses all research and teaching areas. They seek and deploy personnel and financial resources strategically and ensure that the strategic vision is continuously examined for relevancy and refreshed as needed.
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination .
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Statistics or a closely related field.
  • Accomplishments commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment in Statistics at the rank of full professor.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams.
  • A record of activities that demonstrates an abiding commitment to practices that enhance access, equity, inclusion, and belongingness.
  • Exceptional skills in communication and interpersonal relations.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A record of excellence in research and teaching.
  • An ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of constituencies, including other disciplines.
  • Evidence of navigating complex situations and making strategic decisions.
  • Demonstrated encouragement and/or development of innovative activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to actively understand and respect the perspectives and values of students, staff, faculty, and stakeholders.
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 information form and attach the following documents:
  • A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision.
  • A statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/ongoing-searches for guidance in writing this statement. Attach as “Other Document.”
  • A detailed curriculum vitae.
  • The names and contact information of five (5) professional references. References will be requested only of candidates who make the short list.


    • All candidate information will be held in strict confidence until the final stage of the search, at which time the express consent of finalists will be obtained before making their candidacy public. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search website.
    For questions and assistance with submitting the application, contact Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist, at [email protected] or by phone at (402) 472-5730.
    Questions and nominations can be directed in confidence to the co-chairs of the search committee:
    Loren Giesler, Ph.D.
    Head of Plant Pathology
    [email protected]
    Erin Blankenship, Ph.D.
    Professor, Statistics
    [email protected]
    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

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