Department Head and Professor of Mathematics

Job Summary

The College of Science at Purdue University invites nominations and applications for the position of Head of the Department of Mathematics. The Department seeks a dynamic research leader and experienced educator with strategic vision and an outstanding record of achievement, excited by the opportunity to propel a strong department even further. The head will work with departmental colleagues and college leadership to advance its research, graduate, and undergraduate programs.

Department Head Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership that sustains existing strengths and promotes new high-impact research initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain exceptional faculty in all areas of mathematics.
• Advance excellence and innovation in graduate and undergraduate education and student success, which may include mentoring and teaching.
• Oversee departmental budgets and staff operations.
• Advocate on behalf of the department to internal and external stakeholders, including alumni and industry partners, and participate in fundraising efforts.
• Provide leadership for the increasing role of the Mathematics Department at the expanding Indianapolis location of Purdue University. 

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an exemplary record of scholarly achievement along with strong leadership potential. It is expected that candidates for this position will have an earned doctorate in mathematics or a related field and a level of stature in the field sufficient at a minimum to merit appointment at the rank of Professor in a leading mathematics department.

Highly desirable qualities include an understanding of the current needs and future directions of the field of mathematics and related areas in general, as well as within the department and college, and skills in academic leadership, student relations, mentoring, and alumni relations. 

Application Procedure

Confidential nominations and inquiries can be sent to the search committee at head-search@purdue.edu. Applications should be submitted via https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/Purdue/DHP and should include:

(1)  a cover letter of one to two pages summarizing relevant research, teaching, and leadership experience.

(2)  A vision statement of up to 5 pages addressing plans/goals for the department.

(3)  a complete curriculum vitae with names and contact information of 3-5 references willing to address scientific and leadership achievement and/or potential.

Applications and nominations will be held in confidence; review of the same will begin on December 4, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

A background check will be required for employment in this position. 

About the Department of Mathematics

The Department has 65 full time faculty, 180 graduate students, 350 math majors and 300 actuarial science majors (joint with Statistics). The Department has an international reputation as an outstanding center for mathematical scholarship, research and education. Strong research groups in the Department span Pure, Applied, and Computational

Mathematics, with emerging concentrations in Data Science and Quantum Information. It is a key department in the College of Science and Purdue University, providing a wide range of interfaces for research and substantial service teaching. Opportunities are abundant for the right leader to make a significant impact on the University and the profession by growing the Department’s visibility and stature. For more information, see https://www.math.purdue.edu/.