Type: Full-Time
Posted: 02/08/2025
Category: Science Deans

Location: Nashua

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202300094

Division: Division of Arts and Sciences

Description

Rivier University invites applications for a newly established position: Director of Science. This is a 10-month, full-time faculty member in the Division of Arts and Sciences who is responsible for teaching and administrative work with a twelve-credit annual teaching load. The director will report to the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Rivier University is a Catholic, comprehensive University founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in 1933. Committed to liberal education and programs of professional practice at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Rivier is located in Nashua, New Hampshire’s second largest city. With a total student enrollment of 2,800, Rivier’s core mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world is realized through 70 academic programs including doctoral degrees in Education, Counseling and School Psychology, and Nursing Practice.

Rivier University seeks an experienced educator and innovative administrator with a demonstrable commitment to teaching excellence, student faculty research and community partnerships, especially in the life sciences. The successful candidate should have significant interest in curriculum development and the creation of pathways for student enrollment and success in the sciences. The Director of Science will support the University’s broad institutional strategy of growth and deepened commitment to the sciences. The director will be charged with capturing the opportunities present in the sciences, particularly in biology and biotechnology in a region recently designated one of 31 Tech Hubs authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act. In addition, the director will maximize utilization of the University’s $19 million Science and Innovation Center opened in September 2020.

While supervising the full-time and adjunct faculty, the successful candidate will coordinate closely across the University and facilitate community partnerships. Among other responsibilities, the director will promote faculty-student research currently supported by the NH-INBRE program and other funding opportunities. An earned doctorate or terminal degree is required.

Review of applications begins immediately. For best consideration materials should be received before February 28, 2025. For guidance in applying, please see the application process at the conclusion of this document.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the highest quality of teaching through curriculum development and assessment
• Supervise and support the faculty teaching in the sciences especially sciences required for pre-licensure nursing students
• Serve as a primary contact with the office of admissions to strengthen enrollment initiatives
• Conduct regular faculty meetings
• Develop faculty course schedules every semester
• Create research and community partnerships that benefit student learning and success
• Support experiential learning activities including undergraduate research
• Communicate the value and career paths for students considering majoring in the sciences

• Actively engage in pedagogy through an annual teaching load of 12 credits
• Stay abreast of curriculum related scientific developments
• Recognize the role that science plays in the quality of the core curriculum “Journeys of Transformation”

• Serve as the University’s academic liaison to NH-INBRE, the NIH-funded project promoting faculty-student collaborative research in biomedical sciences
• Supervise lab manager
• Facilitate periodic academic program reviews to maintain alignment with accreditation standards
• Serve on the Dean of Arts and Sciences Council and work collegially in promoting student and faculty success with the three other directors in the Arts and Sciences Division

Typical Qualifications

• Demonstrable commitment to Rivier University’s mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world and the values of Catholic higher education
• Exceptional integrity, ability to exercise good judgment, effective written and oral communication skills, the ability to build an effective team of full-time and adjunct faculty in support of student success
• Demonstrated leadership skills and an ability to effectively contribute to the student learning environment through the development of industry and research opportunities
• PhD in Biology or related field
• Academic background eligible for a rank of Associate Professor
• A minimum of 5 years of administrative experience, including supervising faculty
• Teaching experience in the sciences at the University level and experience in securing and administrating research funding
• Demonstrated experience at working collegially across departments and divisions

Supplemental Information

Applicants should include a two-page letter of application along with their resume when responding to the position. For best consideration, materials should be received on or before February 28, 2025. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for the Director of Science is mid-August 2025

Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran or marital status, sex sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, and Title IX requires that the University not discriminate on the bases stated above.

Apply on institution’s website