The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics (The Department). Established in 2015, the Department is a hub for cutting-edge research at the intersection of computer science; computational and systems biology; and biomedical science in the basic, translational, and clinical realms. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to innovation, the Department plays a vital role in advancing discovery at UTSW and contributing to UTSW’s clinical enterprise. As the next Chair leads the Department into its second decade, they will recruit and develop excellent faculty across all areas of bioinformatics to leverage existing strengths and grow in the fields of genetics and genomics, and artificial intelligence.

The successful candidate will be a scientist with a world-class research reputation and a demonstrated commitment to faculty advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration. They will bring sound judgment, fiscal acumen, and visionary leadership to a department poised for its next chapter of growth and impact. With a strong foundation and institutional support, the next Chair will have the opportunity to shape the future of bioinformatics at one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.

The Chair will bring many of the following qualifications, professional experiences, and personal attributes:

• An outstanding record of research and scholarly achievements that merit appointment to the rank of full professor in the Department;
• Distinguished researcher with a world-class scientific reputation;
• Good judgment in hiring and an eye for scientific excellence;
• Experience and interest in supporting the full spectrum of bioinformatics research;
• A deep understanding of the integration of experimental and computational science;
• An appreciation of the importance of collaboration among different basic biomedical research fields, and between basic science and clinical disciplines;
• A track record of supporting faculty and staff;
• A history of progressively responsible and successful academic leadership in a complex university, research organization, or medical center;
• An altruistic leader with a proven commitment to mentoring, motivating, and promoting faculty;
• An inclusive and receptive leadership style that values open dialogue and constructive engagement across differing viewpoints;
• Experience navigating and advocating for a department within a complex university, research, or medical center environment;
• An understanding of budgets and a record of fiscal responsibility;
• Visionary and principled leadership; a results-oriented approach, the highest level of integrity, and timely decision-making;
• Personal qualities that foster collaboration and resilience, such as humility, persistence, patience, good humor, and flexibility.

THE INSTITUTION

As one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, UT Southwestern integrates pioneering research with exceptional health care and education. UT Southwestern is home to more than 3,700 faculty members, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields, including six Nobel laureates, 24 National Academy of Sciences members, 25 National Academy of Medicine members, and 13 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. Annual research funding at the University exceeds $767 million per year. UT Southwestern is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District – a nearly 400-acre medical complex located 10 minutes north of downtown Dallas. UT Southwestern physicians are central to the care of millions of residents in North Texas through the UT Southwestern health system and its affiliated systems, including Parkland Health, Children’s Health, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, VA North Texas Health Care System, and the joint Southwestern Health Resources accountable care network. In this expansive and rapidly evolving ecosystem, UT Southwestern’s unprecedented growth is driven by significant investments in teaching, clinical, and research missions, creating fertile ground for collaborative innovation and dynamic adaptation.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-texas-southwestern-medical-center/chair-department-bioinformatics

Greg Esposito, Partner
Nick Strand, Managing Associate
Melissa DePretto Behan, Senior Associate
Isaacson, Miller

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/