Chair, Department of Biological and Vision Sciences

The State University of New York College of Optometry invites applications for the Chair of the Department of Biological and Vision Sciences. The chair of the Department of Biological and Vision Sciences provides strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the department, which is foundational to the optometric curriculum at SUNY College of Optometry. The Chair promotes excellence in teaching, scholarship, innovation, and faculty development while ensuring the basic and vision sciences curriculum equips students for contemporary optometric practice, board success, lifelong learning, emerging technologies and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across education, research, and clinical care. The chair works collaboratively across departmental programs to align departmental goals with the College’s strategic plan, accreditation standards, and evolving educational models.

The chair will be responsible for developing and evaluating department faculty, overseeing department curriculum, and fostering an environment that advances translational and clinical research in partnership with research faculty. The chair reports to the Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs and serves on the Dean’s Council and the Clinical Education Council. The Chair partners closely with the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Chair of the Department of Clinical Education, University Eye Center leadership, and the Vice President and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research to ensure coordinated planning and communication related to space allocation, faculty workload, course scheduling, teaching, and clinic assignments.

The full job description can be viewed here Chair, Department of Biological and Vision Sciences.

The successful candidate will possess the vision, experience, and leadership skills to establish clear departmental goals, recruit and develop faculty, and support advancement and promotion within a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

Candidates must hold a Doctor of Optometry (OD) or PhD degree and demonstrate a strong understanding of optometric education and the integration of basic and vision sciences within the professional curriculum. The ideal candidate will be able to articulate and implement strategies that connect foundational scientific knowledge to clinical application, ensuring that students are prepared for contemporary optometric practice.

The Chair must also demonstrate a collaborative leadership style characterized by effective communication, active listening, openness to diverse perspectives, and the ability to engage constructively across varying personalities, disciplines, and learning styles. The successful candidate will value thoughtful debate, seek consensus where appropriate, and foster a team-oriented environment that supports innovation and shared governance.

A sustained record of teaching excellence in optometric or vision science education is required, along with evidence of scholarly engagement and professional contributions appropriate to the rank and responsibilities of the position. National recognition within the profession or discipline is preferred. Experience with curricular assessment, pedagogy, immersive learning technologies, data-informed decision-making, and academic innovation is highly desirable.

Additional graduate training (e.g., PhD, MS, MPH, MBA, or related field) is preferred. Experience in clinical or translational research is desirable and will be supported with a competitive startup package. The successful candidate will receive a faculty appointment, with tenure status and rank determined by qualifications and experience.

Complete applications must be submitted by May 6, 2026. Applicants must submit a letter of intent describing relevant experience and goals for the position, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references. References will only be contacted in the final phase of the interviews with the applicant’s permission. All applications will remain confidential until the public interview phase of the process.

For inquiries about this specific position, please contact:
Steven Schwartz, OD, PhD
Search Committee Chair
[email protected]

Click here to apply online

About US
The State University of New York College of Optometry is dedicated to advancing our mission to serve the public through excellence in education, research, and patient care. We prepare future optometrists, conduct innovative research that enhances quality of life, and deliver exceptional patient care, outreach, and access to eye health services for all who need them. Our community embraces pluralism, respect, critical inquiry, debate, and civil discourse in every aspect of our work.

SUNY College of Optometry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation

About SUNY College of Optometry:

The State University of New York College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research and service. More than a half century ago a group of dedicated optometrists and benefactors came together to create an institution that would support optometric education, vision science research and extend quality vision care to all New Yorkers and the surrounding community. The State University of New York College of Optometry evolved from this mission. Since we opened our doors to our first class of students in 1971, the College has grown to become one of the leading optometric education and vision research centers in the world. The College houses the University Eye Center — one of the largest outpatient vision care clinics in the country—and engages in cutting edge research that is helping to shape the future of optometric care.