Professor-Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics - McGovern Medical School

McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) , a leading academic health center, invites applications for Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics . Qualified applicants should have evidence of strong administrative and leadership skills and an established, prominent record of research in basic or translational research. Ideally, the appointment will be at the level of a Professor, with tenure. 

 

The Department of Pediatrics seeks a leader who will promote and oversee research activities in the Department, building on its substantial and diverse research portfolio, currently supported by over $37M in federal, state, and philanthropic grants and contracts, and will be expected to grow the Department’s research mission and capacity. The Vice Chair for Research will work with the Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Division Directors, other Vice Chairs, scientists, and physician-scientists to set the tone for the Department of Pediatrics research initiatives. This position will partner with the other established research programs at McGovern Medical School and the broader UTHealth Houston and Texas Medical Center (TMC) community to advance basic, translational, and clinical research. The successful candidate will lead the Pediatric Research Center (PRC) as Director of the Division. The PRC is home to leading developmental biologists who seek to understand the causes of birth defects, studying a range of birth defects/disabilities and developmental disorders, including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, kidney, neural tube defects and cardiovascular malformations, and disorders resulting from abnormal cartilage and bone growth. The Vice-Chair will also serve as a key resource and advisor promoting the health of the sixteen established Divisional Research Centers and programs. McGovern Medical School is one of seven schools at UTHealth Houston and is located in the world’s largest medical center, the Texas Medical Center (TMC). The TMC offers rich resources and opportunities for collaboration with a wide range of scientists and clinicians. The Pediatric Research Center is a primary member organization of the Lawrence Bone Disease Program of Texas , works with the Center for Craniofacial Research at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry , and has many exciting collaborations with investigators across the TMC. The research facilities of the Division, Department, and University are extensive, and the overall research environment in the Texas Medical Center is excellent and collaborative.

 

POSITION KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

·       Lead the Pediatric Research Center and support the Divisional research programs.

·       Oversee the Department’s intramural research funding programs.

·       Develop a sustainable research infrastructure for the Department, in conjunction

     with the McGovern Medical School’s Dean and research administration to mutually reinforce initiatives. 

·       Represent the Department in crucial research-related decision-making bodies

     within McGovern Medical School.

·       Collaborate with research Vice Chairs from other McGovern Medical School Departments and other

     research leaders across the UTHealth Houston campus on cross-cutting initiatives.

·       Identify opportunities and partners for translating investigational initiatives into innovative

      advances for privatization and scalability. 

·       Oversee the evaluation and monitoring of current scientific programs within the Department.

·       Provide insight and leadership for new research programs.

·       Guide the recruitment of new scientists and clinical investigator faculty.

·       Support/advise the Chair and other Department leaders to build comprehensive strategic efforts, cores,

     and other infrastructure development to support our mission of discovery. 

·       Create models for faculty and trainee research education, mentoring, and support,

     including training, tools, and collaborative platforms. 

·       Develop metrics and performance evaluation processes for Faculty and Resident research contributions.

·       Increase the involvement and engagement of the Department of Pediatrics faculty and trainees in research.

·       Advise and support Department of Pediatrics Sponsored Research senior staff in improving

     workflows for pre- and post-grant accounting and administration.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 

·     Establish and revise criteria and/or protocol for research activities

      for the Department.

  ·    Assure regular review and evaluation of all quality and appropriateness of research activities performed by

       members of the Pediatric Research Center and Department of Pediatrics. 

·     Participate in Department budgetary planning and assist in reporting.

·     Serve on committees as assigned by the Department Chair.

·     Contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the specialty of Pediatrics through

      basic and/or applied research investigation, either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.

·     Participate in the peer review process.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent. MDs must be eligible for appointment to the medical staff at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, UT Physicians, and/or other affiliated clinical sites.

·       Eligible for faculty appointment at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston at the rank of Professor level.

·       Demonstrable experience in collaborative relationships with strong education partners, especially in engaging educators nationally.

·       Demonstrable experience in collaborative problem-solving with academic colleagues in clinical and educational spheres.

·       A successful candidate will be expected to maintain or develop and sustain research programs with extramural funding, play an integral role in new program initiatives, and contribute to the Department's teaching mission and the school.

·       Ideal candidate should have a record of administrative, leadership, and research accomplishments, as well as have extramural grants and current research funding.

 

Qualified applicants must demonstrate a commitment to excellence, discovery, and service, be outstanding in their field of expertise, and share an interest in fulfilling the common goals of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.