Dean

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) seeks an exceptional leader and scholar to serve as the next Dean of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (“the College” or “CNAS”).

One of 10 campuses within the prestigious University of California (UC) system and a member of the Association of American Universities, UCR is a top-tier research university that excels at providing access to higher education while also contributing significant intellectual and social capital to the community, state, nation, and world. It is lauded for the successful outcomes of its ethnically and socioeconomically diverse student population and is repeatedly recognized for the strength of its faculty and research through competitive awards and extramural funding. In 2023, U.S. News and World Report ranked UCR second among universities in the United States for social mobility, enrolling and graduating a large proportion of Pell Grant recipients, and setting a national standard for how a university can educate a diverse population, conduct research, and engage the broader community.

The next Dean of CNAS will join the College at an opportune moment for expanding its impact. Issues that CNAS researchers seek to understand include the complexities of diverse organisms, cells, molecules, and their interactions; the sustainability of the earth’s natural resources including food, water, and air; and the forces that shape the earth and universe, among many others. These are key determinants of our planet’s future and call for innovative approaches. The College’s unique structure spans the life sciences, natural and agricultural sciences, and physical sciences and mathematics, embedding interdisciplinary collaboration in all its practices and encouraging groundbreaking team science. With access to California’s diverse geographies and populations, talented faculty, staff, and students, and the resources of the UC system, CNAS is poised to lead the way in answering the pressing questions of our time. This is an extraordinary opportunity to impact the future of science and society.

To be successful, the Dean will need to address the following opportunities and challenges: 

• Steer a cohesive vision and shared mission for the sciences in CNAS and across UCR
• Support and elevate world-class research, teaching, and service enterprises
• Generate and steward resources to support the health and growth of the College
• Lead and develop a high-performing staff to sustain excellence across CNAS
• Ensure inclusive excellence and the success of a diverse student population
• Advocate for and champion CNAS across UC Riverside and beyond
• Foster and strengthen external relationships in support of the College’s aspirations 

The posted University of California Deans’ Salary Bands sets the pay ranges for deans. This position is included in Band 1: $199,700-$509,900. The annual salary the university reasonably expects to pay for this position is $350,000-$400,000. Compensation will be commensurate with a final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Complete applications will include a CV, cover letter, and a Statement of Contributions to Diversity. In a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, we ask applicants to describe their past and/or potential future contributions to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, which is a key requirement of the role of every faculty member and administrator at UCR. There are numerous ways to contribute, and a commitment to this part of our mission can be reflected through research, teaching, supervision, mentoring, community engagement, service, and any of the other varied activities that are a part of an academic career.

Complete electronic submission of materials is required. Applicants must apply directly to UC Riverside through AP Recruit. For best consideration, please submit materials by October 1, 2024.

For more details, including the full leadership profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, and referrals, please see below. 

Cati Mitchell-Crossley is leading this search with Aku Ammah-Tagoe and Thea Kosmack.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.