Description
Hampton University invites applications for the position of Chairperson of the Department of Physics. The position is offered as a senior appointment with tenure. The University seeks an accomplished physicist, educator, and academic leader with a strong record of scholarship and a forward-looking vision for advancing research, teaching, student success, and external engagement.
The search is open to candidates from all areas of physics. No specific research subfield is required or preferred. Applications are encouraged from experimental, theoretical, computational, and interdisciplinary physicists. The successful candidate will help shape the future direction of the Department and expand its research, educational, and collaborative activities across the breadth of physics.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading HBCU (Historically Black College and University) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, nonsectarian institution. Hampton University is classified as an R2 institution (Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity), with an institutional commitment to continued growth in research. The Hampton Roads region provides exceptional opportunities for collaboration with major federal research facilities, including Jefferson Laboratory and NASA Langley Research Center.
The Department of Physics is one of nine departments in the School of Science. It offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, a minor in Physics, and MS and PhD degrees in Physics. The Department is committed to expanding the breadth, visibility, and impact of its research and educational programs. The Chairperson’s scholarship may be in any area of physics, and the Department welcomes leadership that will create new opportunities for faculty and students, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop emerging directions in research and education.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Department Chairperson serves in dual roles as an academic administrator and senior faculty member. The Chairperson works with the Dean, Assistant Dean, faculty, staff, and students and reports directly to the Dean of the School of Science. The Chairperson is expected to provide strategic leadership, ensure effective departmental operations, engage faculty in shared governance, foster a collegial and inclusive academic environment, represent the Department within the University and externally, and advocate for resources that strengthen teaching, research, and faculty and student success. Responsibilities include:
• Creating a welcoming and supportive academic environment for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff that strengthens recruitment, retention, mentoring, and student success.
• Providing strategic leadership for the continued growth and visibility of the Department and developing opportunities across the broad spectrum of physics.
• Leading curriculum modernization and supporting innovative teaching, experiential learning, outreach, and recruitment initiatives that enhance undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
• Supporting faculty scholarship across physics subdisciplines and fostering interdisciplinary research within the School of Science, across the University, and with external partners.
• Expanding the Department’s research enterprise through external funding, collaborative initiatives, research infrastructure, student research opportunities, and scholarships.
• Mentoring and supporting faculty at all career stages and promoting a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and professional development.
• Overseeing departmental functions, including academic planning and course scheduling, and promoting transparent and effective administrative practices.
• Building external partnerships and professional networks that broaden opportunities for faculty and students and advance the Department’s national visibility.
Qualifications
• Earned PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with an academic record appropriate for a senior appointment with tenure.
• Research expertise in any area of physics; no specific subfield is required or preferred.
• Demonstrated record of leadership, research, teaching, scholarly activity, grantsmanship, and service.
• Evidence of the ability to support and advance a broad portfolio of research and educational activities across multiple areas of physics.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring students and faculty and to fostering a collegial, supportive, and inclusive academic environment.
• Evidence of success in building professional networks, partnerships, or collaborations that can contribute to departmental growth.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and demonstrated organizational ability.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups representing a wide range of academic and administrative interests.
Salary is commensurate with experience $105,000-$120,000
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae with a list of publications; statements addressing research, teaching and mentoring, service, and leadership; and a vision for the future of the Department of Physics. Candidates are encouraged to describe the research and educational directions they would bring to the Department and their vision for expanding its scope, collaborations, and impact. Application materials should be prepared as a single PDF file. The applicant should arrange for at least three and up to five letters of recommendation. Applications and letters should be submitted electronically to the Dean of the School of Science, Dr. Taviare Hawkins, e-mail taviare.hawkins@hamptonu.edu.