We're Hiring!

Closing date: August 22, 2026

Title: DEPARTMENT HEAD OF PHARMACOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS (PBET)

Employee Type: Faculty

Department: M/S-Administration 

Campus Location: MEDICAL SCHOOL - ADMINISTRATIO

Job Summary/Basic Functions

Under broad authority delegated by the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Department Head of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Experimental Therapeutics (PBET) is responsible for the department's educational, research, and service programs. The Department Head reports to the Dean. The Department of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Experimental Therapeutics (PBET) is a newly formed Basic Science department that combines faculty originally appointed to Biochemistry and to Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. The leader of this new Basic Science Department is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to research, collaboration, mentoring, and education.

Other Information About the Position

The School of Medicine at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans invites applications and nominations for a full-time Department Head and Professor of the newly integrated Department of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Experimental Therapeutics. As a preeminent researcher, scholar and leader, the candidate will also be considered for an endowed chair. Reporting to the Dean of the School of Medicine, the Department Head will work collaboratively with faculty within and across other basic science and clinical departments and Centers to support the strategic goals of the Department, the School of Medicine, and the University. The Department Head will be responsible for advancing the Department’s mission of excellence in research and education and will oversee the faculty, staff, students and resources of the Department. The Department Head will articulate and advance a unifying departmental vision in alignment with the School of Medicine strategic plan, with focus on the interplay of distinct research strengths in the department including drug development, cellular and molecular signaling, behavioral pharmacology, and psychedelics.

We seek a candidate with demonstrated research leadership and experience with a vision for collaborative research with one or more of our Research (Cardiovascular, Cancer, Neuroscience, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse) Centers of Excellence. The successful candidate will have a strong record of extramural funding, and will also have the outstanding leadership skills necessary to recruit and mentor outstanding faculty; enhance extramural funding; support educational excellence in graduate, medical, and professional training; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and strengthen partnerships with other Basic Science Departments, Clinical Departments, and with the Centers of Excellence. The Department Head will be expected to promote a culture that values innovation, collaboration, rigor, and fairness, while positioning the Department to address major biomedical challenges through team science. The candidate will promote academic excellence in support of the educational missions of the institution, and a commitment to excellence in academics including medical, graduate and post-graduate education and the mentoring of trainees and junior faculty.
The candidate must hold an advanced professional degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent) and appropriate academic credentials for a tenured faculty appointment as a Professor at LSUHSC.
• Distinguished record of scholarship commensurate with appointment as a department Head and Professor in the School of Medicine.
• Proven national/international reputation and track record of success as a Principal Investigator in ongoing and prior research.
• Exceptional leadership skills to develop and articulate a compelling vision for the Department, fostering the growth of innovative research programs that align directly with the broader research mission of the School of Medicine and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in academics and teaching, specifically in medical, graduate, and post-graduate education, as well as the mentoring of trainees and junior faculty.
• Demonstrated financial acumen through successful management of multi-million-dollar budgets and consistent acquisition as a Principal Investigator of extramural grant funding.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: Other

Other Education if applicable: PhD, MD, or MD/PHD

Required Field of Study: Pharmacology, biochemistry, experimental

Number of years required to perform the job: Five

Type of experience required to perform the job: Five years at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, and a significant record in teaching, basic science, educational or collaborative research, mentorship, and leadership are essential. Previous management and leadership experience is also essential.

Comprehensive benefits are available to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; generous annual and sick leave; 14 paid holidays per year; and an employee health primary care clinic. See following link for more details on our benefits offerings: LSUHSC, New Orleans - Benefits

Other employee benefits include a full-service credit union, wellness benefits featuring complimentary fitness center membership for employees and their spouses, employee assistance program, campus assistance program, and pet insurance option. More information about these benefits can be found on this webpage:  Additional Benefits