Head of Department of Medicine (Purdue University)

Req ID: 39757 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Institution: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Start Date: To be determined Position Summary The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (PVM) invites applications for the position of Department Head, Comparative Pathobiology. We seek a dynamic and visionary academic leader with an outstanding record of research, administration, and teaching to lead one of the College’s core departments. Reporting to the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, the successful candidate will work alongside a highly accomplished faculty, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and play a central role in shaping the future of veterinary and graduate education and research. The position includes multiple open faculty lines, offering a unique opportunity to influence the department’s research direction, academic culture, and long-term growth. Department of Comparative Pathobiology The Department of Comparative Pathobiology educates professional and graduate students across a broad range of disciplines, including: Pathology Microbiology Virology Parasitology Immunology Toxicology Epidemiology Animal Welfare Science The department’s research portfolio is strongly aligned with Purdue’s One Health initiative, addressing challenges at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. Faculty maintain a robust record of federal funding and conduct innovative research in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, host–pathogen interactions, drug discovery, epidemiology, and animal welfare science. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a defining strength. Faculty play leadership roles in Purdue’s Life Sciences Institutes, including the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. The department also houses the Center for Animal Welfare Science and the Center for the Human–Animal Bond. Faculty contribute to diagnostic service through the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, with research pathology support provided by the Histology Research Laboratory. College of Veterinary Medicine The Department of Comparative Pathobiology is one of three departments within Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The College is home to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and is known for its welcoming, collaborative culture that values innovation, leadership, and service. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Vision Provide forward-thinking leadership that sustains existing research strengths and develops new areas of growth Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the College’s mission and long-term objectives Advocate for departmental priorities with internal and external stakeholders Foster a culture of collaboration, academic excellence, and innovation Departmental Administration Oversee day-to-day operations, including management of faculty, staff, and departmental budgets Ensure equitable and effective faculty workload distribution and optimize teaching assignments Academic Leadership and Curriculum Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of a high-quality veterinary curriculum Lead periodic curriculum review processes in alignment with accreditation standards and evolving educational needs Lead and support the department’s graduate programs Support faculty and staff engaged in veterinary diagnostic services Faculty Development and Recruitment Hire, mentor, and evaluate faculty, supporting professional growth and academic success Guide promotion and tenure processes Facilitate leadership development and mentoring initiatives Required Qualifications Applicants must possess: A doctoral degree (DVM, PhD, or equivalent) in a field aligned with the department’s research areas An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and extramural funding consistent with appointment as a Full Professor at Purdue University Demonstrated leadership experience within a DVM program or closely related academic environment A strong commitment to excellence in professional and graduate education Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a dedication to building an inclusive academic community A compelling and inspiring vision for the future of the department Application Process Applications should be submitted online at: https://vet.purdue.edu/about/careers.php Required materials include: A letter of application describing qualifications and interest in the position Curriculum vitae Names and contact information for three references A statement of administrative philosophy Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to: CPB Head Search Committee Department of Comparative Pathobiology Purdue University 725 Harrison Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 ???? hfell@purdue.edu A background check is required as a condition of employment. Equal Opportunity Statement Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university. Posting Start Date: December 18, 2025 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Adminoxy

Req ID: 39757
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Institution: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Start Date: To be determined

Position Summary

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (PVM) invites applications for the position of Department Head, Comparative Pathobiology. We seek a dynamic and visionary academic leader with an outstanding record of research, administration, and teaching to lead one of the College’s core departments.

Reporting to the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, the successful candidate will work alongside a highly accomplished faculty, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and play a central role in shaping the future of veterinary and graduate education and research. The position includes multiple open faculty lines, offering a unique opportunity to influence the department’s research direction, academic culture, and long-term growth.

Department of Comparative Pathobiology

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology educates professional and graduate students across a broad range of disciplines, including:

Pathology
Microbiology
Virology
Parasitology
Immunology
Toxicology
Epidemiology
Animal Welfare Science

The department’s research portfolio is strongly aligned with Purdue’s One Health initiative, addressing challenges at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. Faculty maintain a robust record of federal funding and conduct innovative research in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, host–pathogen interactions, drug discovery, epidemiology, and animal welfare science.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is a defining strength. Faculty play leadership roles in Purdue’s Life Sciences Institutes, including the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. The department also houses the Center for Animal Welfare Science and the Center for the Human–Animal Bond.

Faculty contribute to diagnostic service through the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, with research pathology support provided by the Histology Research Laboratory.

College of Veterinary Medicine

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology is one of three departments within Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The College is home to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and is known for its welcoming, collaborative culture that values innovation, leadership, and service.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Vision

Provide forward-thinking leadership that sustains existing research strengths and develops new areas of growth
Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty
Develop and implement strategic goals aligned with the College’s mission and long-term objectives
Advocate for departmental priorities with internal and external stakeholders
Foster a culture of collaboration, academic excellence, and innovation

Departmental Administration

Oversee day-to-day operations, including management of faculty, staff, and departmental budgets
Ensure equitable and effective faculty workload distribution and optimize teaching assignments

Academic Leadership and Curriculum

Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of a high-quality veterinary curriculum
Lead periodic curriculum review processes in alignment with accreditation standards and evolving educational needs
Lead and support the department’s graduate programs
Support faculty and staff engaged in veterinary diagnostic services

Faculty Development and Recruitment

Hire, mentor, and evaluate faculty, supporting professional growth and academic success
Guide promotion and tenure processes
Facilitate leadership development and mentoring initiatives

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

A doctoral degree (DVM, PhD, or equivalent) in a field aligned with the department’s research areas
An outstanding record of scholarly achievement and extramural funding consistent with appointment as a Full Professor at Purdue University
Demonstrated leadership experience within a DVM program or closely related academic environment
A strong commitment to excellence in professional and graduate education
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a dedication to building an inclusive academic community
A compelling and inspiring vision for the future of the department

Application Process

Applications should be submitted online at:
https://vet.purdue.edu/about/careers.php

Required materials include:

A letter of application describing qualifications and interest in the position
Curriculum vitae
Names and contact information for three references
A statement of administrative philosophy

Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to:
CPB Head Search Committee
Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Purdue University
725 Harrison Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
???? hfell@purdue.edu

A background check is required as a condition of employment.