Description
Vice Chair of Research
UTHealth Houston seeks a visionary and accomplished leader to serve as Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging. This is an exceptional opportunity for an internationally recognized investigator to lead and accelerate a growing, nationally competitive research enterprise within one of the world's largest health science centers.
Reporting to the Department Chair, the Vice Chair will provide strategic leadership for the department's research mission, advancing innovation across basic science, translational research, clinical investigation, and imaging technology development. The successful candidate will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthen partnerships with industry and external collaborators, and align research initiatives with institutional priorities.
Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging is recognized for excellence in clinical care, education, and research. The department features internationally renowned faculty, highly competitive residency and fellowship programs, and recognized strengths in advanced imaging, image-guided interventions, MRI, neuroscience, space medicine, and emerging technologies. Its world-class research environment includes advanced PET/MR and preclinical MRI capabilities, innovative ultrasound platforms, and extensive clinical resources that support basic, translational, and clinical investigation. These assets foster multidisciplinary collaboration and discovery across areas such as cancer, neuroscience, cardiology, precision medicine, and AI-enabled healthcare.
Through clinical and research partnerships with Memorial Hermann Health System, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Harris Health System), and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston provides access to a diverse patient population and exceptional opportunities for collaborative research. In addition, the institution continues to expand research initiatives and partnerships across the broader University of Texas System.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a strategic vision for a sustainable and nationally competitive research portfolio as a key member of departmental executive leadership.
- Expand extramural funding through NIH, federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored support.
- Advance research excellence across basic, translational, and clinical imaging sciences.
- Strengthen collaborations throughout UTHealth Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and external academic and industry partners.
- Enhance utilization and impact of research infrastructure and imaging core facilities.
- Lead development of innovative imaging research programs and protocols.
- Mentor faculty, investigators, and trainees in research development and career advancement.
- Support research operations, compliance, clinical trials, informatics, AI initiatives, and technology commercialization.
Qualifications
- A distinguished record of scholarship, scientific innovation, and leadership in radiology, imaging sciences, or a related field.
- Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Professor at McGovern Medical School.
- National or international recognition as an investigator with a strong history of sustained extramural funding.
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary research programs within an academic health system or medical center.
- Experience building collaborative research enterprises, developing faculty and trainees, and advancing translational discovery.
- Expertise in research administration, faculty development, clinical research, and strategic program growth.
Inquiries, Nominations and Applications: UTHealth Houston has retained the services of executive search firm Korn Ferry. Interested applicants may send application materials (CV, Letter of Interest) directly to jenny.seaver@kornferry.com or Abigail.thurlow@kornferry.com
