The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). IANR is seeking an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative person who will provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the department. We are looking for a strong leader who understands university teaching, research, and Extension and who will be able to use their knowledge and skills to help the department maximize its impact. The successful department head will be one who puts the success of the team and department above their individual accomplishments in the role. The incumbent will be one who appreciates the unique contributions of agricultural, biological, and biomedical engineering research and education and how faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders can work together to address the most important challenges facing society. The successful candidate will be committed to excellence wherever it is on the discovery-to-practice continuum. The incumbent will be a collaborative and inspiring department head who will hold fast to the university’s core values of accountability, inclusiveness, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. We seek a leader who recognizes the variety of expertise within our department and is committed to promoting the kind of teamwork and collaboration that enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and belongingness.
Biological Systems Engineering consists of over 250 undergraduate and graduate students, 38 faculty members, 16 staff members, and 8 postdoctoral fellows committed to high quality, innovative research and scholarship, accessible student-focused education, and impactful Extension programming. In IANR, we aspire to treat every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission. The department head must be one who models and encourages this ethos.
The department is uniquely positioned for transdisciplinary work at the intersection of biological systems, agriculture, engineering, and biomedical research. BSE resides within IANR and also maintains close working relationships and collaborations with administrators and faculty in the College of Engineering. The successful candidate will have the technical and interpersonal skills needed to manage the complexities of these relationships in ways that facilitate collaboration.
Position Overview
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 a 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.
Qualifications for the Position
To be considered for the position, candidates must have:
- 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.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- 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.
Application Process
IANR invites inquiries and applications for the position of head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. The Search Advisory Committee will continue to receive applications until the department head is selected. To ensure full consideration applications should be submitted before August 20, 2026.
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]
Applicants must apply online at https://employment.unl.edu, requisition number F_260073. Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty form, and attach the following required documents:
- A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the position, anticipated contributions, and vision for the department.
- 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.
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- 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.
For questions and assistance with submitting the application contact Rachel Szelag, Senior HR Specialist at [email protected] or by phone at (402) 472-5730.
UNL offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
