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 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:
• Develop a strategic plan for Departmental research based on the clinical and educational priorities of the Department and its affiliates, as well as building on the existing areas of research strength within the myriad of outstanding programs at UTHealth Houston
• Lead the Pediatric Research Center and provide support for 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.
• Eligible for faculty appointment at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston at the rank of Professor level
• MDs must be eligible for appointment to the medical staff at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, UT Physicians, and/or other affiliated clinical sites
• 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
• The ideal candidate should have a record of administrative, leadership, and research accomplishments and have extramural grants and current research funding. 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 teaching mission of the Department and the school
• 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

About UTHealth Houston

UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. With half a century of experience, UTHealth Houston is one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic health centers. Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center and across the state, UTHealth Houston’s students, faculty, and staff are creating a healthier future for all — in more than 7 million square feet of state-of-the-art clinical, research, training, and administrative space across 127 buildings. Our faculty educate and train the next generation of health care providers and researchers to deliver outstanding patient care and improve community health in Houston and beyond. Our faculty and students conduct research to improve the dual pillars of health and well-being while addressing our nation’s most pressing public health crises. UTHealth Houston ranks in the top five universities in Texas in terms of total NIH funding, with $133.7 million awarded. UTHealth Houston is here for our community, and has provided more than $16.4 million in unreimbursed charity care. Our faculty, residents, fellows, and students provide inpatient care at our primary... teaching hospital affiliates. Our philanthropic community provides critical funding to advance UTHealth Houston’s mission of educating future health professionals, pursuing life-changing research, and improving the health and well-being of our patients and their families. The generosity of our partners provides critical resources to meet the health challenges facing our communities now and for years to come.

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