The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health (OSPH) at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern) in Dallas, Texas invites applications for the Chair, Health Economics, Systems and Policy (HESP) department. Within this new school, the Department is poised to play a critical role in developing, evaluating, and implementing programs that can impact health, particularly among traditionally underserved populations. Its innovative educational programs include both master’s and doctoral level opportunities. This work is guided by faculty with expertise in health economics, epidemiology, health administration,  health services research, implementation science, law, library and information science, medical decision making, public health policy, sociology, and social psychology. The work of this department  informs how health policies and organizations impact the health and healthcare of the public. 

The OSPH aspires to create a community built on the values of excellence, equity, collaboration, and understanding that seeks to transform health in North Texas and beyond for individuals, families, and communities to thrive. This 21st-century school of public health is cemented in its core research strengths and is reinforced through integral collaboration with area institutions, health systems, and community organizations aligned with our mission, vision, values and goals. This is accomplished through close collaborations with departments and centers across UT Southwestern and other allied health systems including: UTSW Hospital and Clinics, Parkland Health (one of the busiest public healthcare  systems in the US), North Texas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (2nd largest VA in the US), Texas Health Resources (healthcare system with 29 hospitals and >395 points of care), Children’s Health (7th largest pediatric hospital in the US), and Texas Behavioral Health Center at UT Southwestern (296-bed state mental health hospital opening in 2025). The OSPH also works alongside community agencies such as numerous local social service agencies, non-profit community groups, and Dallas County Department of Public Health. UT Southwestern is a research-intensive university with over 3,000 full-time faculty members who garner more than $719 million in annual grant funded research. The University is home to 24 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 25 members of the National Academy of Sciences and 6 Nobel laureates.

The department chair will be an innovative leader committed to advancing the multidisciplinary and impactful research and education mission of the department in alignment with the OSPH and in collaboration with faculty from across UT Southwestern, affiliated health systems, and the larger community.  The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping and advancing the public health program, ensuring high standards of curriculum delivery, fostering a positive learning environment, and promoting excellence in public health research. Qualified candidates should have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., DrPH, M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent) in a field relevant to health economics, health policy, health systems or health services research with experience and achievements appropriate for appointment as full professor in the School. Significant experience in academic or healthcare leadership, program development, education, and scholarship is expected.  Additionally, a strong history of competitive research funding (e.g., NIH, CDC, AHRQ, PCORI, NSF, VA, DOD, etc.) is critical for this position.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/