Associate Chair for Research

The Associate Chair for Research will work with the Assistant Chair for Clinical Research, Director of Clinical Research, Division Directors, other Vice Chairs, and scientists and physician scientists throughout the department to set the tone for Department of Pediatrics/Dell Children's Medical Center research initiatives. This position will lead the development and oversight of our strategic efforts related to basic, translational, and clinical research in partnership with the Dell Pediatric Research Institute, the Dell Medical School and the broader University of Texas - Austin community. The Associate Chair for Research should be an individual who has an established, independent research career in research or population science. The Associate Chair for Research should develop and maintain a broad knowledge of administrative, ethical and regulatory issues as it relates to the mission of discovery, with an emphasis on basic, translational, and clinical and population relevant research.

Specifically, the Associate Chair for Research will:

• Develop a strategic plan for Departmental research based on the clinical and educational priorities of the Department and its affiliates as well as building on the existing areas of strength within the myriad of outstanding programs at UT Austin;
• Will serve in the following:
  • as Chair of the Department Research Committee
  • as the Co-Director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute
  • as the Associate Chair for Research representative on the Dell Medical School Associate Chair for Research Committee
• Develop a sustainable research infrastructure for the Department, in conjunction with the Dell Medical School's Chief Research Officer; mutually reinforcing initiatives;
• Represent the Department in key research related decision-making bodies within the Dell Medical School
• Collaborate with other Departmental Associate Chairs of Research Investigation from other Dell Medical School Departments, and other leaders in Research within Dell Medical School and across the UT Austin campus on cross-cutting initiatives;
• Identify opportunities and partners for translating investigational initiatives to innovative advances for privatization and scalability;
• Oversee the evaluation and monitoring of current scientific programs within the department which involves the following:
  • the health and status of each; this will include but is not limited to:
    • IRB review
    • overseeing the physician champion for the Clinical Research Coordinators
    • overseeing a committee that reviews clinical studies worthy of support
• Provide insight and leadership for new research programs
• Guide the recruitment of new scientist and clinical investigator faculty
• Direct the work of the Assistant Chair for Clinical Research to build comprehensive strategic efforts to better support our mission of discovery. This may include:
  • supporting the development of single investigator and/or multi-investigator clinical research studies
  • assist fellows, faculty, trainees, APP, any DCMC/AMG/DMS badge carrying employee in designing and implementing their research study
  • core resources (e.g., biostatistics and epidemiology support)
  • bioinformatics/Big Data development and support, and
  • faculty/fellow development programs
  • create models for faculty and trainee research education, mentoring and support, including training, tools and collaborative platforms;
• Develop metrics and performance evaluation processes for Faculty and Resident research contributions
• Develop a platform for Pediatric IRB approval
• Develop a platform for Pediatric research Contract review and approval
• Increase the involvement and engagement of the Department of Pediatrics faculty and trainees in research: goal of 20% increase in grant support and publication # over 5 years
• Lead the development and implementation of an innovative research curriculum for undergraduate and graduate medical education.
• Advise and support DOP (Department of Pediatrics - defined as all pediatric providers including Pediatric Surgery) Sponsored Research senior staff in improving workflows for pre- and post-grant accounting and administration
• Manage the implementation and monitoring of the department-wide bridge funding policy
• In partnership with the Associate Chair of Quality and the Chief of Data Integrity and Analytics, oversee the development and dissemination of sound data retention policies and ensure compliance with human subjects and data security regulations

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Establish and revise criteria and/or protocol for research activities for the Department
• Assure regular review and evaluation of all quality and appropriateness of research activities rendered by members of the Department
• Participate in Department budgetary planning and assists in the preparation of all reports.
• Serve on committees as assigned by the Department Chair
• Contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the specialty of Pediatrics through basic and/or applied research investigation either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.
• Participate in the peer review process

• The successful candidate will demonstrate sustained excellence in research productivity
• M.D., or equivalent, or M.D./Ph.D.
• Eligible for faculty appointment with The University of Texas Dell Medical School at the rank of Associate or full Professor
• Eligible for appointment to the medical staff at UT Health Austin and Dell Children's Medical Center
• Demonstrable experience in collaborative relationships with strong education partners, and especially in engaging those educators nationally
• Demonstrable experience in collaborative problem-solving with academic colleagues in clinical and educational spheres

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.