Career Center

PRIMARY PURPOSE:  The Chair of Microbiology leads the Department of Microbiology overseeing and leading in the development, delivery, and assessment of curriculum. The Chair will develop a strong program of research and scholarly activity related to microbiology.

Reports to:  Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Academic:

1. Responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating the microbiology curriculum including topics, courses, and methods of instruction related to microbiology in all curricular years as assigned.
2. Participates in the instruction and supervision of medical students at all phases of training including didactics, small groups, and clinical cases.
3. Leads the development of creative educational experiences to enhance the overall medical education program.
4. Assists in developing and participating in teaching for a Masters of Biomedical Science program.
5. Maintains competency in the field including new developments and advancements in literature. 

Administrative:

1. Promotes, by example, a general atmosphere of respect for knowledge, thought, and inquiry within the University.
2. Contributes to the planning, development, and evaluation of courses and academic programs within the University.
3. Constructs and manages the departmental budget, allocating funds appropriately to efficiently utilize resources. Projects future departmental budgetary needs (operational and personnel) and provides proposals with documentation during the budget planning cycle.
4. Motivates and develops departmental course directors and faculty and provides regular feedback on performance.
5. Evaluates departmental faculty and staff members according to their job descriptions and consistent with departmental, medical school, and University standards.
6. Participates in the appointment and promotion process for faculty within the department. Reviews all faculty appointment applications for the department and provides recommendations to the appointment and promotion committee. Also, reviews all department faculty for eligibility for reappointment.
7. Leads regular departmental meetings.
8. Meets regularly with the Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs to provide updates on the microbiology aspects within the curriculum and departmental projects, faculty, advisees, budgetary items, and needs.
9. Provides vision and leadership in departmental strategic planning taking into consideration input by the departmental faculty, the COM and University administration, outside stakeholders, and national benchmarks.
10. Participates in fundraising activities.

Service:

1. Serves on committees within the medical school as assigned.
2. Represents the COM by serving on state and national committees in their field.
3. Collaborates with other departments within the University to develop and implement interprofessional educational curriculum and clinical experiences.
4. Participates in interviewing applicants for potential admission to the COM.
5. Participates as an item writer for the USMLE and NBOME.
6. Participates in required COM faculty development.

Research:

1. Leads the development and revision of the research and scholarly activity strategic plan for the department.
2. Supports faculty involvement with educational, clinical, or other research and scholarly activity in microbiology and related disciplines.
3. Develops a strong research-focused team dedicated to advancing the field of microbiology.

Supervisory:

The Chair is responsible for supervising the Department's course directors, faculty, and assigned staff.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Time Breakdown:

60% Academic

10% Administrative

20% Service

10% Research & Scholarly Activity

Education/Experience Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in microbiology or related field from an accredited institution required.
• Must have a previously demonstrated commitment to education with a minimum of five years of experience in teaching and academic leadership in a medical education setting. Previous experience in graduate or undergraduate medical education is preferred.
• Strong candidates will have significant experience with curriculum development, case-based presentations, mentoring faculty,  
• Must have excellent written, verbal, management, administrative, and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Must be able to effectively interact with administration, faculty, staff, and students as well as build and unify teams.
• Must have the ability and a track record of mentoring faculty and students.
• Must be supportive of the mission of the COM and be willing to collaborate with the University and COM leadership to achieve the mission and vision.

As a condition of employment, Duquesne University requires all new employees —full-time and part-time, including adjunct faculty—to get a COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof of their vaccination upon commencement of employment.

New employees requesting a religious or documented medical exemption from the vaccine must complete and submit a Duquesne University exemption request form for review and approval. To receive the appropriate exemption request form, contact hrservices@duq.edu. Employees with approved exemptions will be required to be tested on a regular basis.

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume/CV, diversity statement, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.