The Vice Chair of Research will provide strategic leadership to advance the Department of Ophthalmology’s research mission in ophthalmology and vision science. Reporting to the Department Chair and working closely with other departmental and institutional leaders, the Vice Chair will develop and implement a strategic plan for the continued growth of the Department’s research enterprise, expand extramural funding and philanthropic support, recruit and mentor research faculty, and accelerate discoveries that advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disease.

The incoming Vice Chair will assume this important leadership role at a time of dramatic growth for the Department of Ophthalmology, which has expanded significantly in faculty, physical space, support, and resources over the past few years. In this role, they will build upon the Department’s nationally recognized excellence in vision research, anchored by a National Eye Institute (NEI) P30 Vision Research Core Facility (with shared resources in stem cell and organoid biology, gene editing, viral vector production, advanced microscopy, and animal phenotyping), a Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Challenge Grant, and well-equipped basic science laboratories.

Depending on the qualifications and accomplishments of the selected candidate, they may be eligible for an endowed chair and additional research support and resources to advance the candidate’s research program and the Department’s broader research mission.

Key Responsibilities

·         Define and execute a bold strategic vision for the Department’s research programs.

·         Recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding research faculty, fostering an environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and sustained success.

·         Expand and diversify the Department’s portfolio of externally funded research through federal, foundation, and philanthropic support.

·         Lead and oversee the competitive renewal of the NEI P30 Vision Research Core Grant, oversee the RPB Challenge Grant, and direct the upcoming application for an RPB Unrestricted Grant.

·         Steward departmental research resources through strategic oversight of budgets, spending, laboratory space, and shared infrastructure, working with institutional research offices to strengthen grant administration and ensure compliance.

·         Forge strategic collaborations across UT Southwestern, drawing on its exceptional scientific strengths, to position the Department as a leading hub for vision science research.

·         Strengthen the scientific distinction of the Department’s research program by leading the annual Southwestern Vision Science Summit, Vision Science Seminar series, and other scientific programs.

·         Collaborate with education leadership to expand meaningful research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students.

·         Track, evaluate, and elevate departmental research performance using clear measures of grant funding, publication impact, faculty development, and national recognition.

·         Champion the Department’s research mission within UT Southwestern and nationally through institutional committees, strategic initiatives, federal agencies, foundations, and professional organizations.

Ideal Candidate Profile and Qualifications

·         PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree.

·         Eligible for appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor at UT Southwestern.

·         Nationally or internationally recognized leader in vision science or a closely related field.

·         Record of sustained extramural funding, including NIH or equivalent peer-reviewed support.

·         Strong record of high-impact publications and scientific achievement.

·         Experience leading successful research programs, shared resources, and research infrastructure.

·         Proven success mentoring laboratory-based research faculty.

·         Demonstrated success building collaborative research teams and shared research infrastructure.

·         Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

·         Commitment to advancing innovation, collaboration, mentorship, and excellence in ophthalmic and vision research.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following to OphthalCareers@utsouthwestern.edu:

 ·         Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

·         Letter of Interest outlining research accomplishments, leadership experience, and vision for advancing the Department of Ophthalmology’s research mission.

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/