The School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking candidates from among its current faculty for two positions that will co-lead the Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine: Research Director and Clinical Director/Novel Diagnostics Laboratory Director. This call is for the Research Director. Qualified candidates are invited to apply for this key leadership role. Please consider nominating potential candidates, as well as alerting qualified candidates who may be interested in applying. (For information about the Clinical Director position, see its separate webpage.)
All applications received by Monday, Feb. 19 will be given full and equal consideration. The Research Director position description is below.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV and personal statement/cover letter detailing the following:
- Your interest in this position and vision for the Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine.
- A summary of your background and qualifications for this position.
Send applications, nominations, and questions to:
Andrea Poehling, Chief of Staff – Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies, andrea.poehling@wisc.edu
Position Description
Degree and area of specialization
PhD, MD or equivalent
Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience
The successful candidate will have a compelling vision for the future of research in human genomics and precision medicine in a leading public academic institution and medical center. The Research Director will possess proven leadership and management skills; an outstanding academic background; and dedication to furthering diversity of the faculty, staff and students in the center and establishing an inclusive and professional work environment.
Applicants must be a current SMPH tenure track faculty member at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and able to devote approximately 50% of their time and effort to this position. The Research Director will continue to engage in their research, education, and service commitments for their remaining effort within their SMPH department.
Applicants must have a PhD, MD or equivalent; a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarship and relevant academic leadership experience; a history of extramural funding in a relevant biomedical field; leadership experience at school, campus, and/or national levels; and a broad appreciation of the research missions of the UW SMPH.
Position Summary
The Research Director of the Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine (CHGPM) will partner with the Center’s Clinical Director to lead the Center’s team and further its mission to catalyze translational research, clinical, and educational activities in human genomics and precision medicine; grow and nurture the UW human genomics and precision medicine community; and bring the benefits of precision medicine to all Wisconsinites.
The Research Director will be responsible for establishing and achieving the Center’s goals. These goals will be centered on research and partnerships by embodying its foundational principles and focusing on Wisconsin’s communities and beyond; advancing discovery and technology; and cultivating diversity, equity and inclusion.
Together with the Clinical Director, the Research Director functions as the chief executive of the Center. The Research Director is responsible for the Center’s academic activities, as well as management of the resources, supervision of personnel, and support for center faculty and affiliate faculty. The position oversees the broad financial aspects of the CHGPM to ensure optimal use of resources, including more than 8,600 square feet of research space and authority over space assignments. The Research Director reports directly to the Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies.
The successful candidate will be an innovative leader in the field of human genomics and precision medicine with a history of external funding who brings strong research and educational experience to the role, as well as skills in strategic management and leadership.
Principal duties
- Develop, continuously evaluate and lead the implementation of the Center’s academic research vision, strategic plan and goals
- Build and maintain a national reputation of excellence among academic university programs in human genomics and precision medicine
- In partnership with the Center’s Clinical Director, build and lead an administrative and executive team to develop and manage Center programs and initiatives, including:
- Assistant Directors of Operations
- Assistant/Associate Director for Informatics
- Assistant/Associate Director for Education and Outreach
- Program Leader for Cancer Genomics
- Program Leader for Rare Disease Genomics
- Program Leader for Novel Diagnostics
- Provide oversight of internal and external research programs, educational initiatives and service initiatives
- In partnership with the Clinical Director, aid development and implementation of clinical trials leveraging research discoveries made within the Center
- Develop and oversee the financial plan of the Center’s research portfolio, advising and guiding the Assistant/Associate Director of Operations
- Establish and maintain academic relationships with stakeholders in genomics, human genomics and precision medicine at UW-Madison
- Facilitate, develop and where appropriate and feasible, lead grant funding opportunities that involve multiple stakeholders within the Center, SMPH and UW-Madison
- Identify and where appropriate and possible, lead opportunities for research faculty recruitment in the areas of human genomics and precision medicine, aligned with the Center’s ongoing initiatives and programs
- Provide oversight and support for the development of computational and informatics infrastructure relevant for human genomics and precision medicine at the Center, advising and guiding the Assistant/Associate Director for Informatics
- Oversee the development and implementation of educational and community outreach programs, advising and guiding the Assistant/Associate Director for Education and Outreach
- In partnership with the Clinical Director, convene and chair a stakeholder advisory committee that includes the department chairs, the Director of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, and representatives from the SMPH Office of the Dean and UW Health
- Facilitate mentoring of the Center’s junior faculty members and help to sustain an environment for long-term success
- Participate in professional, public and university service appropriate to the faculty rank
Additional information
Number of individuals supervised: 7
Compensation: The directorship includes a base adjustment that is coterminous with this administrative role.