THE OPPORTUNITY

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) seeks a Director to direct the Perot Family Scholars Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). The MSTP program was founded at UTSW over 50 years ago led by eminent Physician Scientists Jean D. Wilson, MD, Michael S. Brown, MD; and Andrew R. Zinn, MD, PhD. And in 2022, The Perot Family gifted the MSTP program with a $50 million transformative endowment.  The Program is a dual degree program with an enrollment of approximately 100 students that integrates medical and graduate school, leading to combined MD and PhD degrees. It has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1982 and receives support from the Perot Family Scholars Program Fund endowment. At least 80% of MSTP graduates pursue research-intensive or research-related careers in academia or industry.

Requirements include a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or MD/PhD). Physician-scientist candidates (MD or MD/PhD) with a record of extramurally funded research are strongly preferred. The commitment as MSTP Director is expected to require up to 50% effort. Remaining effort may be devoted to research, clinical practice, or a combination of the two. The successful candidate will be appointed to a clinical or basic science department at the Associate or Full Professor level.

This position will be instrumental in shaping the future of UTSW’s Program, leveraging expertise to expand research collaborations and drive scientific discoveries by emerging physician-scientists. The position presents an opportunity for a visionary leader to continue growth of the Perot Family Scholars MSTP both nationally and internationally, playing a key role in developing and mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists. The MSTP Director will lead and inspire trainees and faculty mentors insightfully, providing ongoing guidance and support for their development.

THE INSTITUTION

As one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, UT Southwestern integrates pioneering research with exceptional health promotion, clinical care, and education. The UT Southwestern Medical Center is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District – a nearly 400-acre medical complex 10 minutes north of downtown Dallas. Through its own and affiliated health systems – UT Southwestern University Health System, Parkland Health, Children’s Health, Texas Health Resources, and the VA North Texas Health Care System – UT Southwestern healthcare providers are central to the care of millions of residents in the highly diverse population of North Texas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the overall success of the Program, including 10-12 new students per year.
• Implement curricular and extracurricular activities that create a cohesive, integrated dual-degree program and foster student engagement and success across all program phases.
• Advise enrolled students throughout their enrollment.
• Manage program budget, including stipends, tuition waivers, travel awards, marketing materials, etc.
• Engage regularly with departmental stakeholders, program committees, and national/international organizations to ensure the program remains current and competitive within the MD/PhD landscape.
• Draft and submit the T32 renewal applications to maintain federal funding.
• In collaboration with other stakeholders, review and revise policies and procedures related to student onboarding, program progression, extracurricular programming, budget, etc., ensuring that all policies and procedures are aligned with national standards, university guidelines, and program objectives.
• Understanding the future of physician-scientist training and positioning the program as a global leader in biomedical education.
• Lead efforts in fundraising as requested by UTSW leadership and engage with stakeholders for program growth.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following background, experience and skills:

• Experience with institutionally supported MD/PhD program or MSTP programs.
• Demonstrated ability to drive program expansion and innovation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to negotiate effectively.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Demonstrated track record of research funding.
• Recognized as a highly accomplished investigator at the national level.
• Experience working in a matrixed reporting environment.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with a passion for physician-scientist training and development.
• Ability to inspire and lead teams towards achieving excellence.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Demonstrates strength in strategic planning and creating a vision while maintaining a focus on daily practicalities.
• Knowledge and experience in academic institutions, health centers, and teaching hospitals.
• Demonstrates a career progression that is likely to prepare them for a position of this scope, complexity, and scale.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the issues involved in the management of a clinical enterprise and understands medicine from the perspective of personal research and/or clinical practice experience.
• Understands the value of health-related research and the capability to help integrate the research and clinical enterprises.
• Demonstrates experience in fiscal management.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Doctorate in medicine or related field required. Combined MD/PhD degree preferred.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Associate or Full Professor. For Associate or Full Professor, proven creative works, professional writing, or research in professional journals, and be a recognized authority in the field.
• Extensive research experience with a strong record of impactful contributions in basic, translational, or clinical research, federally funded investigation, and scholarly publications.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

The search committee will review candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and letter of interest. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Samir Parikh, Professor, Division Chief, Nephrology – Department of Internal Medicine at samir.parikh@utsouthwestern.edu and Brittanny Anderson, Administrative Manager, Academic Recruitment at brittanny.anderson@utsouthwestern.edu.

SECURITY

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

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