Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: 11/11/2025
Application Due: 01/15/2026
Category: Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Priority

Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah

Position Profile: (link available in original posting)

The Position

The University of Utah invites nominations and applications for the next Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Building on the strong leadership of Dr. Karen S. Wilcox and the Department’s longstanding legacy of innovation and excellence, the incoming Chair will lead an ambitious vision for continued growth, impact, and national prominence.

The Chair will have the resources to sustain a world-class research program while expanding the Department’s research portfolio through strategic recruitment and investment. This leader will provide direction across all departmental missions—research, education, strategic planning, budget, and operations—and will serve as a member of the College Executive Committee, contributing significantly to College-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a shared strategic vision with faculty and departmental colleagues

• Managing departmental budget, infrastructure, and resources

• Leading faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation

• Promoting a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing culture in research, teaching, and mentorship

• Maintaining an active, productive research program

• Providing leadership in research, teaching, and service activities

• Contributing to strategic initiatives across the College as a member of the Executive Committee

• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across the health sciences

Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree in pharmacology, toxicology, or related field

• Distinguished scholarly or professional record suitable for appointment at the rank of professor

• Internationally recognized research accomplishments

• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience building collaborative teams

• Commitment to teaching excellence in graduate (PhD, MS) and professional (PharmD) programs

• Proven ability to create and implement a compelling departmental vision

• Exceptional communication and managerial skills

Appointment and Compensation

This is a full-time, 12-month faculty leadership position. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the College of Pharmacy

Located in the advanced L.S. Skaggs Research Institute, the University of Utah College of Pharmacy is a leader in research productivity, personalized medicine, and therapeutic innovation. The College—supported by strong NIH funding, philanthropy, and the University of Utah Therapeutics Accelerator Hub (U2TAH)—ranks among the nation’s top pharmacy schools.

The College comprises four departments:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology

• Medicinal Chemistry

• Pharmacotherapy

• Molecular Pharmaceutics

More information: pharmacy.utah.edu

About the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Founded in 1948 by renowned pharmacologist Louis S. Goodman, the Department continues its rich tradition of excellence in research and education. It supports PhD training and, beginning in Fall 2025, a one-year MS program. The Department includes:

• 16 full-time faculty and 9 adjunct faculty

• 13 postdoctoral fellows across 9 labs

• 18 PhD students and 4 MS students

Current research strengths span:

• Analytical & Forensic Toxicology

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Toxicology

• Drug Discovery & Development

• Drug Metabolism & Biochemical Toxicology

• Genomic & Molecular Pharmacology of Cancer

• Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience

• Pharmacogenomics

The Department emphasizes interdisciplinary biomedical science training, hypothesis-driven research, flexible study plans, and close faculty mentorship. Graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and private research institutions.

About the University of Utah

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution, offering more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate programs to over 38,000 students, including the largest incoming class in its history in Fall 2025.

The University is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and has an ambitious 2030 strategic plan focused on student success, discovery, and statewide impact. Situated in Salt Lake City, one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the University offers exceptional academic, cultural, and outdoor experiences.

Learn more: utah.edu

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed confidentially beginning immediately. Candidates who apply by January 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Please submit:

• A PDF CV/resume

• A cover letter describing your leadership experience, motivation for applying, and alignment with the position requirements

Apply online: theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su484

Contact for nominations or recommendations:
Stephanie Rivas-Fowler
Senior Consultant, Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: 480-213-7078
Email: srivasfowler@summitsearchsolutions.com

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.