Vice Dean for Research

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Vice Dean for Research at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine is actively searching for its next Vice Dean of Research. WSU is one of only ten public universities in major cities of the Unites States that holds the Carnegie Foundation designation as an institution with outstanding research activity and comprehensive community engagement. The University Research Corridor of Michigan includes WSU, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University and generates 95% of the research activity in the state. As an institution with a long-standing interest in biomedical research and home to internationally recognized scientists in both the basic sciences and translational research, WSU houses state-of-the-art research facilities and cores.

WSU’s School of Medicine (SOM) is the largest single-campus medical school in the country. Through the dedication of our faculty, staff, postdocs and students, WSU-SOM is a nationally recognized center of research excellence. Our faculty lead the nation in key research areas and have made groundbreaking discoveries that have made a difference in our everyday lives.

WSU-SOM is renowned for its innovation, including:
Birthplace of AZT, the first FDA-approved drug to treat AIDS.
First use of a mechanical heart pump in open-heart surgery.
A novel technology - optogenetic therapy - for restoring vision.
A cost-effective way to screen expectant mothers at risk of preterm birth and method to reduce the risk of preterm birth by 40 percent.

WSU-SOM consistently ranks among the top medical research institutions in Michigan. Students and faculty work on interdisciplinary teams in a myriad of settings to investigate and develop new technologies that better serve the residents of the State of Michigan. For the 2023 fiscal year, WSU School of Medicine research awards totaled more than $183 million.

Job Summary: 

The School of Medicine's Office of Research led by the Vice Dean of Research supports and promotes basic, clinical, and translational research through strategic planning and financing, maintaining and expanding research infrastructure, and policy development. The Vice Dean of Research reports directly to the Dean of the SOM and provides leadership for the school’s research mission. The Vice Dean of Research works in consultation with the SOM faculty, the Dean of the SOM, Directors of Centers, Vice Deans of Research at other schools and colleges at WSU and the Vice-President of Research at WSU to develop strategies conducive to research development at the SOM.

The responsibilities of the Dean of Research include:

Establish and execute an inspiring research vision and strategic focus for the SOM.

Provide leadership and oversight for the SOM research programs and coordinate responses to research opportunities.

Foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research between departments and among schools.

Support departments in mentoring faculty—particularly junior faculty—in their research careers and collaborate with departments and centers to enhance the recruitment and retention of faculty with research programs.

Oversee the operational management of research laboratories and core research space within the SOM.

Oversee the SOM research budget and its programs in close coordination with Dean of SOM, the Vice Dean of Finance and Administration of SOM and the Vice President of Research of WSU.

Develop and maintain technology transfer agreements.

Maintain signature responsibility for exceptions to school policy with respect to grants and contracts.

Provide support for multidisciplinary grant programs.

Serve as the liaison for animal- and human-related research committees.

Provide matching funds for large (Core) grants.

Provide matching funds for major equipment purchase or maintenance.

Evaluate and make recommendations regarding faculty requests for bridge funding.

Develop strong working relations and create an optimal framework with the Division of Research & Innovations, overseen by the

Vice President of Research at WSU.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

Key Qualifications: 

Knowledge of:

Grant mechanisms, institutional review and compliance procedures (including institutional research board activities), pre- and post-award procedures, and evaluation of grant applications prior to submission.
Understanding and knowledge of basic biomedical, translational and clinical research mechanisms and activities.
Intellectual property rights and processes.

Ability to:

Work effectively in a multicultural, diverse, and complex university environment with staff, faculty and administrators.
Analyze complex problems, devise innovative solutions and perceive the implications and potential consequences of various situations.
Build, grow and maintain productive relationships with faculty and trainee post-award units/offices and grant agencies to promote and facilitate faculty/trainee research endeavors.

Skills in:

Oral, written and interpersonal communication.
Consultative decision-making.
Leadership, planning and evaluation.

Education and Experience: 

Must have an earned doctorate (M.D., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) and the appropriate academic credentials to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor in one of the departments at the SOM. This includes substantial evidence of research and scholarly activities.
Significant and successful academic administrative experience and proven leadership ability, including the development of interdisciplinary research.
Program planning, direction and coordination.
Success in obtaining external funding as appropriate to the academic field and serving as Principal Investigator for external grants.
Experience in staff evaluation and supervision.
Experience in administration and budgeting.
A commitment to diversity in all its dimensions and the demonstrated capacity to lead, support, and develop a diverse and inclusive community.

WSU-SOM will provide a competitive salary and substantial startup funds to ensure the success of its next Vice Dean of Research.

Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement: Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0601-Deans Office Medicine

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Wayne State University is a premier, public urban research university located in the heart of Detroit where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high quality education. our deep rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities preparing students for success in a diverse, global society. WSU encourages applications from women, people of color, and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 0
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.