Department Chair and Professor of Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Michigan invites applications for its next Department Chair and a Professor of Physics. This is a full-time, on-site leadership role, ideally starting July 1, 2025, that includes a five-year (renewable) term as department chair (50% effort) as well as an ongoing tenured faculty appointment. The department chair is responsible for leading the faculty in carrying out the shared mission of the college and the unit through teaching, scholarly work, leadership, governance, and professional activities, with support from a departmental chief administrator and an executive assistant. A successful candidate must be an accomplished scholar with an established, externally funded research program, a record of effective and inclusive teaching, a national or international reputation for excellence in physics, and the capacity and vision to lead a world-class physics department, anticipating new areas for research, teaching, and service in physics beyond their own sub-field. They must also be committed to supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. 

The U-M Department of Physics has 50 tenured and tenure-track faculty, as well as many other affiliated faculty members and researchers, whose fields of study span a wide range of disciplines. The 2023 external research funding budget was $20 million. The department admits an average of 25 doctoral students in each cohort. Undergraduate enrollments are robust, and the department teaches a wide range of general education and required courses for other majors. For more information about the U-M Physics department and attributes of a successful candidate, see myumi.ch/W5MzX.

The University of Michigan has selected Spelman Johnson to assist with this search. Contact Sharon Meagher at smm@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries and nominations. To apply, submit a CV and cover letter via myumi.ch/W5MzX. The cover letter should include brief (no more than one paragraph each) discussions of your (a) interest in this position, (b) most significant leadership experience and leadership style, (c) research interests and major accomplishments, (d) teaching and mentoring philosophy and experience, (e) key service contributions to your institution and scientific community, and (f) experience and/or plans for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Review of applications will begin September 23, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to submit expanded versions of this information plus names of references. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form. The University of Michigan is supportive of the needs of dual career couples and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.