Department Chair, Translational Neuroscience

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a national search for a Chair of its Department of Translational Neuroscience, which is part of the Division of Internal Medicine. The Chair reports to the Division Head and will establish the department’s vision, guide faculty development, and oversee the department’s operations and functions. The position calls for an accomplished physician-scientist or scientist and proven leader to lead a nationally recognized department and contribute to cancer prevention and elimination, transformative research, and exceptional education. The department’s mission is to identify mechanisms underlying cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, develop improved ways to assess symptoms, and conduct clinical trials to alleviate them. Its preclinical research includes molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies of neurotoxicities associated with cancer and its treatment, with the goal of identifying mechanisms and developing mechanism-based strategies to reduce symptom burden. Clinical research includes developing patient-reported outcome methods for research and practice, and designing and conducting trials of interventions that may reduce symptom severity or prevent symptoms. The Chair has responsibility for basic, translational, and clinical research; faculty development and evaluation; integration of educational programs; finance and budgeting; and strategic planning aligned with institutional direction. The Chair will support professional growth through career development and mentorship for faculty and trainees, and foster a collaborative, collegial, and wellness-oriented work environment. The Chair will represent the department, division, and institution in local, regional, state, and national matters. The Chair will oversee faculty leadership in education, information technology, clinical-department interactions, research, operations, and quality. This role requires the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization with complex interdisciplinary relationships, along with strong interpersonal, critical-analysis, and problem-solving skills. Candidates must have experience in multidisciplinary research and an established record of training and developing postdoctoral fellows and students. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and supplemental narrative statement addressing their qualifications by December 11, 2026. The position may involve maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure and may require routine reviews and screening. Satisfying and maintaining applicable security requirements is a condition of hire and continued employment.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience post clinical degree.
Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
Demonstrated scientific excellence and performance.
Administrative experience at a departmental or institutional level.
A proven track record of successful, independent translational research and grant or protocol funding.
A consistent record of contributions to education or training and mentoring trainees, faculty, or staff.
Experience in multidisciplinary research.
An established record in training and development of postdoctoral fellows and students.
Ability to function effectively in a matrix organization characterized by complex intra- and inter-disciplinary relationships.
Outstanding interpersonal, critical-analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Progressive leadership experience in an academic setting.
Experience in an oncologic setting.

Responsibilities

Establish the vision for the Department of Translational Neuroscience.
Guide the development of department faculty and oversee departmental operations and functions.
Lead basic, translational, and clinical research within the department.
Oversee faculty development and evaluation.
Integrate educational programs and support education and training.
Oversee departmental finance and budgeting.
Conduct departmental strategic planning aligned with institutional direction.
Provide career-development opportunities and mentorship for department faculty and trainees.
Foster a positive work environment emphasizing collaboration, collegiality, and wellness.
Represent the department, division, and institution in local, regional, state, and national matters.
Oversee faculty leadership in education, information technology, interactions with clinical departments, research, operations, and quality.
Lead the department’s efforts to identify mechanisms underlying cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, develop symptom-assessment approaches, and conduct clinical trials to alleviate symptoms.