Xavier University - College of Pharmacy, Professor/Endowed Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Xavier University of Louisiana in its search for Endowed Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

For full consideration, please apply by March 14, 2025.

The Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana invites applicants for Associate/Full Professor to serve as the Endowed Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The position is a full-time tenure-track twelve-month faculty position commencing immediately. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field. The successful candidate will have expertise in basic or translational Pharmacology or Medicinal Chemistry, with a research program focused on cancer therapeutic interventions. Research areas may include, but are not limited to: Gene therapy, targeted therapies, tumor microenvironment, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, biomarkers, nuclear receptor signaling, and immunotherapy. This prestigious position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead groundbreaking research, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to advancing the field of pharmaceutical sciences in a vibrant academic environment. 

The primary responsibility of the Endowed Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences is to integrate leadership, research, teaching, and service, with an emphasis on advancing the academic and research objectives of the institution. This leadership role spans several key areas, all aimed at ensuring the division remains a leader in scientific discovery, education, and innovation. The successful candidate will be part of a multi-institutional, collaborative research environment as a member of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC). This partnership includes Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Tulane University, and Ochsner Health System, working together toward obtaining National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center designation. Faculty members will have access to core facilities across the campuses of each partner institution, including those at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA).

The ideal candidate for this position will be a visionary leader with a proven track record of advancing basic science. Exceptional academic achievements are essential, as the Chair will play a pivotal role in driving research programs, as well as overseeing development, supervision, and teaching responsibilities. The Chair must also demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an equitable and diverse environment through leadership and service. Xavier University of Louisiana is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who have experience working with individuals and students from diverse backgrounds, reducing barriers, and promoting equity in healthcare.

Through XULA and the LCRC, this position offers an attractive and competitive three-year start-up package, with 80% dedicated to research, along with a competitive salary. The Chair will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratory space in a newly constructed facility, which includes a well-equipped animal care research facility. Leadership opportunities are available, including the potential to assume a Program Core or Core Facility leadership role within the NIH-funded RCMI (Research Centers in Minority Institutions) program focused on Cancer Health Disparities at XULA. Additionally, the Chair may have the opportunity to take on co-leadership roles in LCRC programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and/or sustain a vibrant cancer research agenda including publications and external grant support at the R01 level or equivalent
• Contribute to the growth and expansion of the University’s capacity for cancer research
• Participate in one or more of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center programs: Tumor Biology, Genes X Environment, Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Population Sciences
• Teach, mentor, and advise PharmD and MS students in the College of Pharmacy, fostering an environment of academic and professional growth 
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the division and university
• Participate in service activities for the department, university, and community
• Participate in on-campus department, division, college, and university meetings and assemblies, as well as university convocations and graduation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related science 
• A distinguished record of research achievements in cancer therapeutics, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in leading journal and presentations
• Current R01 and/or R01 equivalent external funding in cancer research with plans to continue obtaining R01 or equivalent external funding (substantial track record of R01 or equivalent funding in cancer research)
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding from governmental or private sources, with a clear strategy for maintaining at least 80% of salary through grants
• Experience in teaching and mentoring students at various levels
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences 
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, based on experience and scholarly accomplishments
• Demonstrate commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population 
• Commitment to the mission of Xavier University of Louisiana

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with both preclinical and clinical research methodologies in cancer treatment
• Prior experience teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses, with a demonstrated ability to engage and inspire students
• Proven track record of mentoring students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty, fostering their professional development and research skills
• Evidence of collaborative research efforts across disciplines, contributing to innovative approaches in cancer therapeutics
• Active involvement in professional organizations related to cancer research and pharmaceutical sciences, including participation in conferences and workshops
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities, with a commitment to contributing to the growth and success of the division and institution
•  Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic and research settings

About the College of Pharmacy

Xavier University of Louisiana's College of Pharmacy is dedicated to bringing minority students into the pharmacy profession and is one of the top four producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degrees in the nation. The Division of Basic and Pharmaceutical Sciences is one of the divisions within the College of Pharmacy. This division is responsible for teaching the foundational sciences that underpin the field of pharmacy, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as courses related to pharmaceutical sciences, such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics.

Dedicated faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge research in areas such as drug discovery and development, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. Our researchers collaborate with other departments and schools within the university to promote interdisciplinary research and education. We provide exceptional training and mentorship to our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, who pursue careers in the pharmaceutical sciences. Our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies through basic and applied research. 

The Division of Basic and Pharmaceutical Sciences is committed to advancing the field of pharmacy through excellence in education and research. We are proud to contribute to the training of the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and to play an essential role in advancing our understanding of drug development principles. 

About the Institution

Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Xavier University of Louisiana’s current enrollment is 3,419. Of these, 2,693 are undergraduates and 205 are graduate students enrolled in Masters and Doctoral programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, there are 518 students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy, which offers the Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Doctor of Pharmacy. Xavier’s student body is 80% African American, with approximately 37% from Louisiana, primarily from the New Orleans area.   

Xavier University of Louisiana has been a member of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, a consortium that also includes Tulane University, LSU Health Sciences Center and Ochsner Health since 2007. The LCRC is focused on developing an NCI Designated Cancer Center focused on cancer health disparities in Louisiana.  The LCRC has reorganized into the structure of an NCI center and is aggressively building cancer research and outreach programs.
 
Living in the Area

Xavier is located near the heart of New Orleans in a quiet neighborhood dotted with bungalows. An enclosed campus green mutes the urban feel of the encroaching city, and yellow brick buildings have been erected among the older historical limestone structures. Xavier was hard-hit in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina (much of the campus was underwater), but $130 million in renovations as well as the construction of the state-of-the-art Pharmacy Pavilion, Convocation Center, and St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, leave no traces of that tragic event.  
  
With a population of 400,000 and a cost of living lower than the national average, New Orleans charms visitors and locals alike with its music scene, diverse cuisine, and refusal to abandon its cultural traditions. But what is truly wonderful about the Big Easy lies at its heart, beyond the casual tourists swaying Mardi Gras beads and late-night strolls down Bourbon Street. The residents of New Orleans are infused with a resilient and welcoming spirit that celebrates eccentricity.  

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by March 14, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to XULAChairPharmSci@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institution’s EEO Statement
Xavier University of Louisiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is the only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.         
 
Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Division of Basic and Pharmaceutical Sciences is especially interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, minimizing barriers and increasing equity and completion rates between members of different demographic groups.