University of Alabama at Birmingham

Closing Date: 22nd January 2021

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), ranked as the top young U.S. university for the second year in a row by the Times Higher Education, invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Mathematics, following a pause due to the pandemic.

UAB is a Carnegie level 1 research university and leader among comprehensive public universities with an academic medical center, offering a world-class education to a diverse student population that prepares the nation’s future citizens and leaders. The Department of Mathematics is well poised for significant growth under the leadership of the new Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, following its recent move into the new University Hall building completed in 2019. The Chair of Mathematics will chart the direction for the future of UAB’s signature core curriculum through inspiring new pedagogical approaches to improve student success rates in core math courses. There will be significant opportunity for a faculty cluster hire to start new programs and expand advanced degree programs. The new Chair will lead efforts to raise the department’s research profile through collaborations across the College and the hiring of new faculty. Last year, UAB had over $600 million in research expenditures. Since the inception of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2010, twelve new degree programs have been established and more than 109 new faculty have been hired.

The College and the faculty are interested in creating an environment that will encourage collaboration and build bridges between mathematics and computer science, physics, actuarial science, genomics, engineering and emerging fields that are hugely data intensive. The Chair will collaborate with peers to explore new instructional opportunities and to use emerging technologies to promote digital literacy and provide equal educational opportunities to all students. The faculty are passionate about new opportunities for mathematics research and education stemming from our technology intensive society and preparing students to apply mathematics in their pursuit of diverse careers.

Administrative responsibilities will include fiscal responsibility, departmental administration, overseeing the accreditation process and compliance with professional organization requirements. The new Chair will be expected to maintain a distinguished research and scholarship activity, with excellent administrative support to assist with departmental responsibilities.

University of Alabama at Birmingham is the single largest employer in Alabama and home to the third largest public academic medical center in the country. There are more than 23,000 employees and the annual economic impact for the state exceeds $5 billion. At the heart of UAB’s 50-year history is a thriving partnership with Birmingham. Together, accomplishments have been historical. The University has enjoyed record enrollment for the fifth consecutive year, with a Fall of 2020 enrollment at 22,563. Federal research funding is at an all-time high and the footprint of UAB continues to grow with new state-of-the-art buildings lining University Boulevard and expanding the campus.

Birmingham is within driving distance to Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans. The “Magic City” is noted for its vibrant music scene, fine dining, warm weather, a culture embracing diversity and great schools.

A more detailed profile for this search with information about the University, job responsibilities and qualifications for the position can be found here.

Nominations, Applications and Expressions of Interest

For best consideration, applications and nominations should be received by January 22, 2021, although expressions of interest will be considered until the position is filled.

Application materials must include:

1. A letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experience is applicable to the position, opportunities and challenges, qualifications, and personal attributes expressed in the leadership profile;
2. A detailed curriculum vitae;
3. Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references, including the candidate’s professional relationship with each of these individuals. References will not be contacted until after semi-finalist interviews and with the candidate’s prior consent; and
4. The names of three individuals who could prepare letters of reference in support of the application.

To be considered, applicants MUST apply through the University of Alabama at Birmingham career opportunities portal.