Environmental Sciences and Engineering Department Chair and Full Professor

Our Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering focuses on the interface between people and the environment. Uniquely located in a school of public health, our interdisciplinary programs in air quality and atmospheric processes, human exposure and health effects, and sustainable water resources draw from faculty expertise in the physical and life sciences, engineering and policy.

We harness environmental solutions to enhance public health and well-being, and foster resilience in the face of climate and environmental change – leveraging solution-oriented research, education, and practice. Students and faculty work collaboratively to:

Understand the environmental transport and transformation of chemicals and infectious agents.
Protect vulnerable populations from toxic exposures.
Mitigate the impacts of climate change on air, water and health
Create a healthy, sustainable and equitable future.

As a member of the school’s faculty and administration and under the supervision of the Dean, the Department Chair functions as a full professor, as dictated in the department and school’s appointment, promotion and tenure (APT) guidelines and coordinates departmental activity with the activities of the School, the University, and assists in the development and implementation of school initiatives. The department chair also plays an important role in shaping and supporting the School’s missions and goals. They must take the perspective of and advocate both for their departments and Gillings and are an important part of the leadership team for the Gillings School.
The Chair should, with diverse input, articulate a mission for the department and strategies to optimize that mission in accordance with departmental, school and university strategic plans, missions and visions. As a leader in a public university, the position must work to promote and enhance success in an environment committed to Inclusive Excellence.
As a faculty member, contribute to and organize the department in an effective, efficient and fair manner so that the teaching, research and practice missions are optimized. Ensure that proper administrative support is given to department matters, including teaching, research, practice, space, budget and student affairs, and that timely, appropriate response is made to information requests and directives from Dean’s Office, prospective students, University leaders, legislators and other relevant individuals/organizations.
Lead faculty and staff to achieve excellence and positive results in a supportive professional environment; recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff; and ensure people are being mentored appropriately. Enhance inclusive excellence and expect to be measured regarding outcomes; ensure that there are processes and accountability by which faculty members of all tracks and ranks are mentored for promotion and, likewise, that opportunities are provided for staff to grow and develop in their careers.
Recruit, retain and teach outstanding students; enhance diversity; ensure that there are effective means for students to participate in the department and to articulate their concerns; respond in a timely manner to students’ concerns and suggestions; provide an outstanding educational experience for students; ensure the availability and quality of student advising and mentoring based on best practices; manage grade and other appeals and grievances with others as appropriate in the school.
Lead outstanding departmental educational programs and curricula overall and as part of Gillings School programs; provide direction for department development and improvement; plan and implement new courses/programs; maintain appropriate balance among teaching, research, and practice/engaged scholarship within the department; establish, review, and improve degree programs; prepare for Graduate School Reviews and accreditation processes determined by CEPH and other accreditors.
Support Gillings’ practice leadership and infrastructure so we can harness our capacity to make a difference in health equity outcomes in N.C. and with global partners.
Facilitate a high-quality program of innovative, externally funded research, including leading your own research portfolio from a range of sources to further department and school goals; ensure that junior faculty members are provided research mentoring support and the pre-and post-award services they need for success.

Facilitate funding from federal and other grants, contract and philanthropic sources. Work with the school’s advancement staff to seek and obtain funds for endowment and/or non-restricted purposes, including student and faculty support, from private and foundation donors.
With the school’s communications staff, identify the most important constituencies for communication and develop an effective communication strategy.

MD, DrPH, PhD or related in an appropriate field and the candidate must be eligible for appointment to the rank of Professor, have an outstanding record of academic and research or practice accomplishments in related discipline, and have a commitment to professional and public service, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring, and teaching. The applicant must have a proven ability to think and lead strategically, balance multiple priorities, and manage the finances and human resources of a large, dynamic, and diverse department. The applicant must be prepared to serve as a leader of the School and to collaborate across the School with other department chairs and senior leaders.

The candidate should be an innovator with demonstrated operational leadership, communication and administrative abilities.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.