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Drive Strategic Solutions. Empower Excellence. Shape Tomorrow.

At Purdue, we believe that innovation starts with understanding—and that the best solutions come from those who see the big picture and the details.

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest academic departments at Purdue University.  With 45 faculty members, six broad research areas, 200 PhD students, 1100 undergraduate students in six majors, and operations in five buildings, there is a lot going on.  We are looking for a creative and energetic staff leader to join our leadership team to help us press toward our goals of world class discovery and excellence in student learning.  Come dream big and run fast with us.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee departmental operations: Lead day-to-day operational support for faculty, staff, and students. Supervise facilities, IT, and communications staff, and serve as a key point of contact for resolving complex operational issues.
  
• Advance faculty success: Partner with the Department Head to identify strategic research opportunities, support interdisciplinary collaborations, and coordinate project management for large-scale grant efforts and external partnerships.
  
• Steward space and infrastructure: Manage teaching and research space, lead renovation and sustainability efforts, and coordinate with Purdue’s Physical Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety to ensure efficient, compliant, and forward-looking infrastructure.
  
• Enable strategic research initiatives: Collaborate with Purdue’s research ecosystem—including Discovery Park, Life Science Institutes, and the Office of Research—to position the department for new funding opportunities, equipment proposals, and emerging initiatives.
  
• Strengthen internal and external partnerships: Facilitate cross-departmental communication and engage with alumni, industry, and university stakeholders to amplify the department’s impact and visibility.

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, you’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking community where your expertise is valued and your contributions have a lasting impact. You’ll have opportunities to work on high-impact projects, grow your professional skills, and help shape the future of our institution. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Collaborative with purpose: Work alongside dedicated professionals in a culture that values diverse perspectives and shared success.
• Continuous learning: Access resources for leadership development and career advancement.
• Make a meaningful impact: See the results of your leadership in the success of your department and the broader university community.
• Champion innovation: Help shape policies and practices that drive Purdue's mission forward.

Ready to make a difference at the intersection of technology and business?
Apply today and be part of a team that’s transforming how Purdue works—now and for the future.

About Us

Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,800 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, and data science.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position
• Six (6) years of operations or program management and managerial work experience required

Preferred:

• Higher ed experience 
• PhD in a Biology field or other life sciences discipline 

Skills Needed:

• Academic administration, personnel supervision, and program management
• Ability to:
  
  • influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
  • interpret and implement University policies and procedures 
• Excellent communication (oral & written), strategic planning, performance metrics, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, event planning, project management and customer service skills
• Computer and related software skills (i.e., word processing, creating and maintaining databases/spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web savvy, etc.).
• Must be able to:
  
  • foster a participative supervisory style that utilizes teamwork to successfully guide the work of others
  • multi-task and meet established deadlines

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Immediate Defined Contribution by the university 
•  Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Management 4

• Pay Band S120
• Job Code #20004118

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/ 

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE / AA

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.