Career Center

Chair, Department of Oral Biology

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is searching for a Chair of the Department of Oral Biology.   This is a full-time faculty appointment up to the rank of Full Professor, tenure track or tenured, commensurate with experience. The Chair will provide academic, research, and administrative leadership for the Department and play a central role in advancing RSDM’s missions of research, education, and patient care.

Department Overview

The Department of Oral Biology serves as the foundational biomedical sciences hub for RSDM, supporting predoctoral, graduate, and postgraduate education through rigorous training in oral biology, microbiology, immunology, biomaterials, and translational oral health research. The Department contributes substantially to the DMD, Master’s and PhD training programs as well as interdisciplinary research initiatives across Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

The Department maintains a strong and growing portfolio of basic, translational, and clinical research, supported by extramural funding and collaborative programs spanning dentistry, medicine, bioengineering, and public health.

Position Responsibilities

The Chair of Oral Biology will be responsible for the overall administration and strategic leadership of the Department, including:

• Advancing the Department’s research mission, with emphasis on extramurally funded, high-impact basic and translational science
• Providing leadership in predoctoral, graduate, and postgraduate education, including curriculum development and innovation
• Obtaining and maintaining extramural research funding from federal, foundation and corporate sources
• Strategic planning, goal setting, and financial and resource management
• Faculty recruitment, career development, mentoring, and evaluation
• Oversight of graduate programs, research training, and interdisciplinary initiatives
• Fostering collaborative research within RSDM and across Rutgers University
• Supporting the service missions of the School, University, and broader scientific community

The successful candidate will be expected to strengthen the Department’s national and international reputation and align departmental priorities with the School’s Mission and Vision.

RSDM seeks an individual with outstanding academic credentials, track record of major funding, and leadership experience, including:

• An internationally recognized record of scholarship in oral biology, microbiology, immunology, dental biomaterials, or related fields
• A strong history of NIH and/or other extramural funding
• Demonstrated excellence in mentoring students, trainees, and faculty
• Proven leadership experience in academic administration, program development, and research initiatives

Required Education

PhD, DDS/DMD, or equivalent terminal degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Dual degrees (e.g., DDS/PhD or equivalent)
• Experience leading interdisciplinary or translational research programs
• Strong record of extramural research funding
• Experience in the management of department/program operations
• International recognition

Preference will be given to candidates with dual degrees (DDS/PhD or equivalent) and active NIH grant support. Candidates with Dental degrees may be eligible for intramural clinical practice opportunities upon fulfilling NJ state board dental licensure qualifications. 

Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is a component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and is located on the Newark Campus of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Division, along with the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Health Professions and the School of Nursing. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

Interested candidates should submit all application materials online at:
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/268610

Required Education

PhD, DDS/DMD, or equivalent terminal degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Dual degrees (e.g., DDS/PhD or equivalent)
• Experience leading interdisciplinary or translational research programs
• Strong record of extramural research funding
• Experience in the management of department/program operations
• International recognition

About Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

The Department of Oral Biology is searching for one (1) faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor on the tenure track or tenured. Priority will be given to applicants with research experience in oral microbiology, host susceptibility and microbial interactions, inflammation, oral mucosal immunity, host genetics, oral cancer, craniofacial development and other areas relevant to oral and dental basic science or clinical-translational applications.

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