The School of Engineering at Widener University invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure-track faculty position with administrative responsibilities throughout the year starting in Spring 2024.

The Chair reports to the Dean of the School and has overall responsibility for leading the department’s academic programs, recruitment and retention. The Chair leads the faculty and staff to grow and strengthen a young and dynamic program. The Chair works collaboratively with the department’s talented faculty, staff and students to build on the department’s strong reputation.

The School of Engineering consists of seven departments of biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and robotics engineering, with the construction management department starting in Fall 2024. It offers both undergraduate and masters’ programs in a professional environment designed to enhance career development and graduate studies. The first engineering program at Widener University was inaugurated in 1862, and the newest program in Robotics Engineering was established in 2018. The School of Engineering prioritizes quality teaching, competitive applied research, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and active citizenship. The Biomedical Engineering Department offers ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering degree with specialization in Biomedical Engineering. The curriculum covers biomechanics, biotransport, bioinstrumention, biomedical devices, biomedical imaging, biomaterials, cell and tissue engineering and other subjects.

 The School of Engineering is committed to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from those who share our dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive teaching, learning, and working environment. We believe that students, faculty, and staff should have equitable opportunities to pursue and advance toward their professional goals without marginalization or exclusion due to their differences. The diversity of our community is central to our success as a vibrant center of learning, teaching, research, and civic engagement.

For more information regarding Biomedical Engineering and the School of Engineering at Widener University, please visit https://www.widener.edu/engineering

Duties and Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to)

 Essential Duties

• Provides leadership for improvement of program curricula, laboratory, and other physical resources necessary for effective instruction
• Establishes teaching and departmental assignments for the faculty and staff
• Provide oversight on departmental resources and budget
• Oversee the technical staff in maintaining biomedical engineering teaching laboratories
• Develop and sustain an externally funded research program
• Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed technical journals
• Represents the department on the School’s Leadership Team as well as other institutional committees
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for faculty and staff within the department
• Plan and support professional development and advancement for departmental faculty and staff
• Ensure adherence to academic policies and compliance with accreditation and institutional requirements
• Mentor and advise students
• Evaluate applications for admission to the department’s graduate program and transfer students
• Organize and supervise recruitment, retention and outreach events
• Work collegially in support of the continuing growth of the Biomedical Engineering Department and the School of Engineering

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Education/Training and Experience Required):

Required: 

• An earned doctorate degree in biomedical engineering or a related discipline.
• A distinguished record of research accomplishments and competitive extramural research funding sufficient to earn the appointment of Associate Professor.
• Demonstrated experience and excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses
• An ability to work collegially with faculty, students, staff, administration, and alumni.
• Effective interpersonal, oral, written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to excellence in engineering education.

Preferred: 

• Expertise in biomechanics, orthopedics and prosthesis, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics.
• Experience in higher education 
• Industrial or clinical experience.
• Experience working in or collaborating with clinical settings.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:  

• Some evenings and weekends may be required for events.
• Ability to sit and work at computer for long periods. Ability to conduct business on phone and answer in a timely manner.  Ability to move between offices, floors and buildings on campus. 

Qualified candidates must submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of leadership style, research statement, teaching interests and philosophy, diversity statement, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. 

 Applicant screening will begin immediately. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. 

Widener has a strategic commitment to building an inclusive university community whose diversity enriches the lives of all members and where our students are prepared for living in a pluralistic and ever-changing world. As a leading metropolitan university, Widener strives to embody the values that are inherent in our mission: civic engagement, access, inclusion, academic excellence, innovation and leadership.

Widener University has established a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all faculty and staff who will be on our campuses to be fully vaccinated and compliant as a condition of employment, www.widener.edu/coronavirus.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

About Widener University

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

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