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Science Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Davis Chicago

STEM DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Chicago, IL · On-site

A Rigorous Problem-Solver - Models mathematical and scientific thinking students can feel. An ... The Role The STEM Department Chair is the academic and instructional leader of the STEM Department ...

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Davis Chicago

STEM DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78 - $137/hr

A Rigorous Problem-Solver - Models mathematical and scientific thinking students can feel. * An ... The Role The STEM Department Chair is the academic and instructional leader of the STEM Department ...

New

Davis Chicago

HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78 - $137/hr

... science and English preferred and National Board Certification a major plus · 3+ years of ... The Humanities Chair will establish a cohesive departmental vision, cultivate a culture of ...

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How much do science department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for science department chair in the United States is $102,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a science department chair?

A Science Department Chair is an educator and administrator who leads the science department within a school or academic institution. Their responsibilities typically include overseeing curriculum development, supporting faculty, managing departmental budgets, and ensuring that teaching standards are met. They often serve as a liaison between the science faculty and school administration, advocate for resources, and help implement new educational initiatives. In addition to administrative duties, they may also teach courses or conduct research depending on the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science department chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Department Chair, you need extensive experience in science education, a relevant advanced degree, and strong leadership skills. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, school information systems, and educational standards is typically required, along with certifications in teaching and administration. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help foster collaboration among faculty and ensure effective department management. These skills are crucial for driving academic excellence, supporting teachers, and implementing successful science programs.

What are some common challenges faced by a science department chair, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Science Department Chair often encounters challenges such as balancing administrative duties with teaching or research responsibilities, navigating differing opinions among faculty, and ensuring curriculum alignment with educational standards. Effective management involves clear communication, collaborative decision-making, and strong organizational skills. Building trusting relationships within the department and staying informed about current trends in science education can also help Chairs address these challenges proactively and foster a positive and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Science Department Chair vs Science Teacher?

AspectScience Department ChairScience Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in science or education, along with experience in teaching and leadershipUsually requires a bachelor's degree in science or education, with state certification or licensure
Work EnvironmentAdministrative role within schools or colleges, overseeing science departmentsClassroom teaching in schools or colleges
ResponsibilitiesDepartment management, curriculum development, faculty supervisionDelivering science lessons, student assessment, lab supervision

The Science Department Chair focuses on leadership, administration, and curriculum oversight within the science department, while the Science Teacher primarily engages in classroom instruction and student interaction. Both roles require a background in science education, but the Chair has additional responsibilities in management and strategic planning.

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Science Department Chair jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Department Chair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,706 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number FAC00001PO26 Advertised Title Department Chair - Computer Science Engineering Campus Columbia College/Division College of Engineering and Computing Department CEC Computer Science and Engineering Advertised Salary Range To commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis 11 months Work County Richland Tenure Information Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of South Carolina invites applications for the position of Department Chair. This is a leadership role for an individual with a strong vision for the future of computer science and engineering education and research, as well as a deep commitment to faculty development and student success.

The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing was named on June 6, 2024, in recognition of the significant momentum of the college in scholarship, research productivity, enrollment, timely academic programs, and faculty size. Over the past nine years, there have been over 60 TTT hires, with additional 10+ ongoing searches, the annual research awards for the college have increased from $18M to over $75M, the freshman classes have grown by more than 50% to ~1,000 students, an Applied AI Institute (led by the CSE department) was founded in 2019, and a new biomedical engineering department has been formalized, focusing on the brain and significant potential overlap with AI. Recognizing this momentum, the President has allocated five of the 100 presidential hires for the CSE department, with the first position being the department chair, to be followed with another four tenured full or associate professors in CSE. The department has access to a state-of-the-art high-performance computing facility managed by the University with a general-purpose cluster consisting of 16,616 CPU cores and approximately 100 GPUs, as well as a dedicated AI cluster with 40 A100/H100 GPUs.

Position Overview

The Department Chair will serve as the academic and administrative leader of the department, providing strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and supporting a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and students. The Chair will guide the department in defining and expanding areas of core strengths, promoting interdisciplinary sponsored research, and ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership that inspires faculty, staff, and students in a shared mission of academic and research excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and continuous growth.
Lead the department in recruiting and retaining high-impact faculty, including four additional tenured positions in strategically defined focus area(s).
Lead modernization of curricula and create timely courses (in collaboration with other units) that draw students from the whole university and beyond.
Champion innovative, multidisciplinary research initiatives that leverage faculty strengths and attract substantial federal, state, and industry funding.
Support and leverage the university-wide AI initiative by actively promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across the campus and throughout South Carolina to grow research and broaden the impact of the CSE department.
Serve as a proactive advocate for the department within the university and the broader academic and industrial communities.
Facilitate effective communication among faculty, students, and university leadership, complementing and advancing the broader mission of the College of Engineering and Computing through departmental initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Experience with best practices in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
Experience in securing multidisciplinary, federally, and industry-funded research projects.
A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
Application Process

Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of South Carolina in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted before March 24, 2026. Please submit applications directly to Parker Executive Search. For additional information, please contact:
Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 804-1996 ext.: 111
janderson@parkersearch.com || jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com
Required Education and Experience
  • A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
  • With proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven leadership experience in an academic or research setting, with a track record of building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Experience with best practices in developing undergraduate and graduate curricula.
Experience in securing multidisciplinary, federally, and industry-funded research projects.
A doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 01/06/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant
Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of South Carolina in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted before March 24, 2026. Please submit applications directly to Parker Executive Search.
For additional information, please contact:
Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 804-1996 ext.: 111
janderson@parkersearch.com || jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200784 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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