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The University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (UWBME) in the College of Engineering. The department is a vibrant and growing unit, currently enrolling 695 undergraduates,107 graduate students across master’s and doctoral programs.

The Chair will enter the College of Engineering at a transformative period of major investments designed to enhance the growth and development of the college and department. These investments include the Phillip A Levy Engineering Center, a $420 million investment in state-of-the-art facilities for learning and discovery. This 395,000-square-foot facility will be the centerpiece of our engineering campus and will feature shared laboratories that unite faculty, staff and students from all engineering disciplines around a common challenge.

The Dean of Engineering has committed to expanding the Biomedical Engineering department with additional space renovations and startup costs for new faculty leading research. As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the department’s future—leading strategic growth, expanding academic programs, recruiting top-tier faculty, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate the department’s national and international profile through partnerships with industry leaders and to contribute to the broader growth of engineering at UW Madison.

UW Biomedical Engineering is home to 25 core faculty members, five teaching faculty and seven administrative staff. In addition, the department includes 62 affiliated faculty from different colleges and schools on campus. The department operates with an annual state expenditure of $3.5 million and supports over $9 million in research expenditures. The Chair is responsible for leading all aspects of the department’s growth and functions. The role reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering. The selected candidate will be appointed as the Peter Tong Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This endowed chair position will include investiture and discretionary resources. The initial term of appointment is five years, subject to annual review, and is eligible for reappointment.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Departmental Leadership:

• Promote a vision and mission for the department consistent with current and future needs within the COE and UW-Madison


• Manage the administrative, financial, and space components of the department


• Enhance the national and international recognition of the department


• Promote and support high-impact research initiatives


• Enhance current development efforts by engaging alumni and external partners


• Be dedicated to the instructional mission of the department, college and university

Faculty & Staff Oversight, Recruitment, and Development:          

• Support and promote the teaching, research, and service activities of the department’s faculty members


• Identify areas of current and future faculty needs for the department’s research and teaching missions.


• Lead faculty recruitment efforts in conjunction with departmental faculty


• Mentor and support junior and senior faculty in their professional growth

College Leadership

• Serve on the Dean’s Leadership Council with other department Chairs and Associate Deans     


• Reports to the Dean of COE

Department:

• College of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Compensation:

• Negotiable – 9 months / ongoing / renewable

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated intellectual leadership and administrative skills in an academic/university environment or equivalent


• Expresses a clear vision for the future for the department


• Established record of professional activities and leadership in professional organizations


• Have credentials commensurate with appointment as full professor with tenure in the department.

Education:

• Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or closely related physical or biological sciences

How to Apply:

Please upload a SINGLE PDF with the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining their vision for the department and relevant leadership experience 


• A curriculum vitae highlighting research accomplishments (including complete list of publications), teaching, mentoring experience and administrative roles 

The deadline for assuring full consideration is November 21, 2025.  However, the position will remain open, and applications may be considered, until this position is filled.

Contact Information:

Professor Darryl Thelen
Search Committee Chair
dgthelen@wisc.edu

Additional Information 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

Research in the department spans six key focus areas: 

• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering 


• Imaging and Optics 


• Biomechanics 


• Medical and Microdevices 


• Neuroengineering 


• Systems and Synthetic Biology 

UWBME has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments in the College of Engineering, as well as with the School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, School of Veterinary Medicine, and numerous research centers. These include the Carbone Cancer Center, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Cardiovascular Research Center, McPherson Eye Research Institute, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and the Morgridge Institute for Research. According to the 2024–25 U.S. News & World Report, UWBME is ranked #8 among public universities for graduate biomedical engineering programs. 

ABOUT COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 

A powerhouse in research, teaching and service, our college and its departments and programs enjoy consistently high rankings. Every year, approximately 4,500 undergraduates, 1,500 graduate students and thousands of practicing engineers benefit from the knowledge of our faculty—passionate educators who also are respected worldwide for their expertise and discoveries. They transform our classrooms and laboratories into interactive environments rich with discourse and blooming with new ideas. We do not simply think, however. We do. And we are recognized worldwide for our discoveries and innovations. The college is investing $420 million in a new, state-of-the art building -Philip A Levy Engineering Center. This 395,000 – square-foot-building will fuel innovation and economic growth through experiential learning, emerging research, and collaboration with industry. 

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON 

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States, renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1848, the university enrolls over 45,000 students and offers more than 9,000 courses across 13 schools and colleges. As a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), UW–Madison is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation. Guided by the philosophy of the Wisconsin Idea, the university extends its impact beyond the campus, contributing approximately $15 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy through research, education, and public service. 

ABOUT MADISON, WISCONSIN 

Madison, Wisconsin is the state capital and the second-largest city in Wisconsin. Uniquely situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, Madison is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. It is recognized as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Madison and its surrounding communities are known for their highly rated public schools, making the area attractive to families. 

The Madison Region is a leading bioscience hub in the Midwest, with a rich history of innovation in life sciences and biotechnology. The region has been the birthplace of groundbreaking discoveries—from the identification of vitamins to the cultivation of the first human embryonic stem cells in a laboratory. Today, it is home to over 70 biotech companies, ranging from startups to global firms, many of which have emerged from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s world-class research ecosystem. 

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion