Department Chair Physiology and Pharmacology

At Des Moines University (DMU), we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing knowledge through innovation, discovery, and collaboration. We invite visionary and accomplished academic leaders to apply for the position of Department Chair of Physiology and Pharmacology.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic department, influence the educational experience of future healthcare providers, and foster a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. As Department Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping departmental strategy, supporting faculty success, and advancing the mission of the University.

The Department Chair provides leadership across the full spectrum of departmental activities, including academic administration, curriculum development, faculty affairs, research, and clinical engagement. The Chair is responsible for cultivating an environment where faculty and students thrive, ensuring the department remains innovative, collaborative, and aligned with institutional priorities.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and guide its academic, research, and service initiatives.
• Lead and support a diverse faculty community, including full-time, part-time, adjunct, emeritus, volunteer, and guest faculty, as well as departmental staff.
• Champion excellence in teaching and curriculum delivery while promoting scholarly activity, research productivity, publications, and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and contribute to College and University accreditation efforts.
• Collaborate with University leadership to align departmental goals with institutional priorities.
• Oversee faculty workload and FTE distribution across teaching, research, service, and clinical activities.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources to support long-term educational and financial vitality.
• Support faculty growth through mentoring, professional development, and promotion and tenure processes.
• Serve as a key advocate and representative for the department across the College and University community.

The Department Chair role comprises approximately 25% administrative effort, providing significant opportunity to remain actively engaged in the academic life of the department. The remaining appointment is dedicated to faculty responsibilities, including teaching, research, scholarship, and service.

Successful candidates will bring a record of academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in education and scholarly activity. Faculty rank upon appointment will be determined according to the University's Rank, Tenure, and Promotion Policy; however, candidates are generally expected to meet qualifications consistent with appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor level.

• Earned doctorate from an accredited university in a relevant field.
• Experience in teaching health science physiology or pharmacology is preferred. Highly competitive applicants will demonstrate a track record of teaching one of the following organ systems: cardiovascular, endocrine, or gastrointestinal.
• Academic rank as a senior faculty member at the level of Associate or Full Professor. (Rank upon hire will be determined by the Rank, Tenure and Promotion (RPT) policy, as interpreted by the RPT Committee.)
• Five years of faculty experience, preferably in a medical school or health sciences college or university.
• Successful candidates will bring a record of academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in education and scholarly activity.

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges — the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences. DMU offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health.

Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa’s capital metro, DMU provides a collaborative, student-centered academic environment. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks in board exam performance, certification pass rates and medical residency match outcomes. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. Our 88-acre campus in West Des Moines brings the entire academic community together in one collaborative, future-focused environment, while the Des Moines University Clinic serves patients within the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in downtown Des Moines. Our state-of-the-art campus features technology-rich, flexible learning environments that support innovative teaching and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Modern research facilities include a vibrant open-concept laboratory that fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery and empowers faculty and students to advance the health sciences.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders, providing expert and compassionate patient care, serving the community in diverse ways and contributing to the vitality of central Iowa.

At DMU, you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile:  Department Chair for Physiology and Pharmacology | Scott Healy & Associates 

Applications received by September 25, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description

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