Department Head, Department of Immunobiology

The Department of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson seeks an exceptional leader with the vision and energy to advance world-class research, innovative education, and inclusive excellence.

The Head will provide leadership to a department working to: 1) understand how the immune system and microbes shape the continuum of healthy and diseased states across the lifespan; and 2) translate basic research findings into novel therapies for complex diseases. Candidates with research programs that fit naturally within this broad portfolio are encouraged to apply.

As a key member of the College of Medicine - Tucson leadership team, the Head will report directly to the Dean and play a central role in faculty recruitment, strategic planning, and programmatic growth. The successful candidate will join a vibrant scientific community that includes the BIO5 Institute, the Cancer Center, Banner Health, and university-wide initiatives in precision health, microbiome science, aging, and One Health.

The Department of Immunobiology is home to a diverse group of scientists, educators, and trainees dedicated to understanding how immune and microbial processes influence health and disease. Faculty research spans from fundamental basic research to translational applications, with strengths in immune processes, as well as host-microbial and immune-cancer interactions. The department has strong connections across campus and the state, creating opportunities for collaboration with the Cancer Center, BIO5 Institute, Valley Fever Center, and programs in precision health, Indigenous health, and environmental sciences. With robust graduate and medical educational programs and participation in undergraduate programs, the department is committed to training the next generation of scientists, physicians, and leaders in the life sciences.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a bold
  vision for the Department of Immunobiology that advances understanding of
  how immune and microbial processes shape health and disease.
• Recruit outstanding faculty
  and build programs that strengthen and expand the department's impact.
• Forge partnerships across the
  university and beyond to enhance the department's visibility and reach.

Research and Scholarship

• Foster an environment that
  supports discovery, collaboration, and sustained external funding.
• Strengthen the department's
  national and international reputation.
• Maintain an active program of
  independent or collaborative research consistent with departmental goals.

Education and Mentorship

• Provide oversight and
  resources for the department's educational mission, including graduate medical
  and undergraduate teaching.
• Support faculty in delivering
  innovative, research-driven education that prepares students for diverse
  careers.
• Champion mentorship of
  trainees and faculty, with a focus on fostering success at all career
  stages.

Faculty and Community
Development

• Build and sustain an
  inclusive, positive departmental culture that attracts and retains diverse
  faculty, staff, and students.
• Conduct annual faculty
  performance reviews and promote opportunities for professional growth and
  development.
• Lead outreach initiatives
  that expand the societal impact of the department's work.

Administration and
Stewardship

• Oversee departmental
  operations, including fiscal management, resource allocation, and
  long-term planning.
• Ensure compliance with
  university and college review processes, including accreditation and
  periodic evaluations.
• Contribute to executive-level
  recruitment and strategic initiatives within the College of Medicine -
  Tucson.

• PhD or equivalent terminal
  degree in a relevant discipline.
• Credentials meriting
  appointment as a tenured Full Professor at the University of Arizona.
• Distinguished record of
  scholarly achievement with sustained extramural funding and publications
  in high-impact journals.
• National or international
  reputation as a leader in the study of immune and microbial processes in
  health and disease.
• Demonstrated success in
  academic leadership, with experience in strategic planning, faculty
  development, and resource management.
• Strong interpersonal and
  communication skills with a commitment to diversity, equity, and
  inclusion.
• Track record of mentoring
  trainees and supporting faculty success.

• Prior success in senior leadership roles such as department head, division chief, or center director.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative strategies that elevate research, strengthen education, and expand impact.
• Experience building collaborative teams and partnerships across institutions and sectors.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within academic and scientific communities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate future directions and translate them into departmental opportunities.