Director of Ocular Oncology Translational Research Program

The Department of Ophthalmology and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking a highly accomplished scientist with a strong background in cancer research to lead and expand our Ocular Oncology Translational Research Program. This faculty position includes a primary appointment in the Department of Ophthalmology and secondary appointment in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, with a unique opportunity to expand a rapidly growing multidisciplinary Ocular Oncology Clinical Program directed by Dr. J. William Harbour, MD, an internationally recognized ocular oncologist, cancer researcher, and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology. Significant programmatic development funds are available for the qualified applicant. 

Position Overview:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide the overall leadership and academic vision for growth and development of a multi-disciplinary Ocular Oncology Translational Research Program of top national reputation
• Lead an innovative team of investigators, with an emphasis on uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, ocular surface neoplasia and other ocular tumors.
• Support collaborative translational research initiatives that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications and commercialization and expand peer-reviewed, extramural research funding in ocular oncology, including large multi-investigator P-type grants
• Promote multidisciplinary research collaborations with oncology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and precision medicine across UT Southwestern.
• Continue growth of individual research program as a principal investigator, maintaining extramural funding through the NIH, DOD, private foundations, and other grant mechanisms.
• Develop research partnerships with other academic institutions, pharma and biotech to enhance programmatic translational goals
• Promote robust opportunities for learners, including undergraduate, medical and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.

Why UT Southwestern?

• Renowned research institution with state-of-the-art facilities and strong institutional support.
• NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with over $120M in cancer focused funding and all the shared resources necessary to support cancer research
• Access to large and diverse patient populations and unique biospecimens through the rapidly growing multidisciplinary ocular oncology program, the only such program in North Texas and one of only a handful nationally.
• Highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research ecosystem with opportunities to work with experts in oncology, genetics, pathology, and biomedical engineering.
• Access to funding by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
• Located in Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area with a high quality of life, excellent schools, and a vibrant biomedical community.

Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD or the equivalent, with a strong record of independent cancer research.
• Full-time scientist or clinician-scientist at the Associate Professor or Professor level. Those intending to engage in patient care must be eligible to obtain a Texas Medical License.
• Demonstrated success in high-impact publications and grant funding.
• Ability to create an exceptional multidisciplinary research program through recruitment, programmatic development and collaboration.
• Expertise in oncogenomics, tumor immunology, molecular oncology, or related fields.
• A strong interest in eye cancer, but not necessarily an extensive background in the field.

To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/162071. In addition, forward a curriculum vitae, cover letter with a summary of accomplishments and future plans, and contact information for three references to OphthalCareers@UTSouthwestern.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The Department of Ophthalmology is a national leader in patient care, education, and vision research.  Check us out on X (@UTSWOphth) and Instagram (@UTSWeye).

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/

Salary : $1,000 - $1,000,000