The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a national search for Chair of the Department of Symptom Research. This leader will establish the vision for the department, guide the development of its faculty, and oversee all operations and functions. A successful candidate will be an accomplished scientist and proven leader. The Department of Symptom Research is part of the Division of Internal
Medicine and the Chair reports to the Division Head. The Chair of Symptom
Research will be charged with leading a nationally recognized department and contributing to the prevention and elimination of cancer, transformative research, and exceptional education.
The
mission of MD Anderson’s Department of Symptom Research is to identify
mechanisms underlying the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, to develop new
ways of assessing these symptoms, and to perform clinical trials to alleviate
them. We have a two-pronged approach toward achieving this mission: on the
preclinical research side, our Neuroimmunology Laboratory conducts molecular,
cellular, and behavioral studies on the neurotoxicities associated with cancer
and its treatment, to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop
mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for alleviating symptom burden. On the
clinical research side, we develop symptom-assessment methods based on
patient-reported outcomes for use in clinical research and practice, and we
design and conduct clinical trials to assess new and existing interventions
that may reduce symptom severity or prevent symptom occurrence. The mission of MD Anderson’s Department of Symptom
Research is to identify mechanisms underlying the symptoms of cancer and its
treatment, to develop new ways of assessing these symptoms, and to perform
clinical trials to alleviate them. We have a two-pronged approach toward
achieving this mission: on the preclinical research side, our Neuroimmunology
Laboratory conducts molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies on the
neurotoxicities associated with cancer and its treatment, to identify the
underlying mechanisms and develop mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for
alleviating symptom burden. On the clinical research side, we develop
symptom-assessment methods based on patient-reported outcomes for use in
clinical research and practice, and we design and conduct clinical trials to
assess new and existing interventions that may reduce symptom severity or
prevent symptom occurrence. The mission of MD Anderson’s Department of Symptom
Research is to identify mechanisms underlying the symptoms of cancer and its
treatment, to develop new ways of assessing these symptoms, and to perform
clinical trials to alleviate them. We have a two-pronged approach toward
achieving this mission: on the preclinical research side, our Neuroimmunology
Laboratory conducts molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies on the
neurotoxicities associated with cancer and its treatment, to identify the
underlying mechanisms and develop mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for
alleviating symptom burden. On the clinical research side, we develop
symptom-assessment methods based on patient-reported outcomes for use in
clinical research and practice, and we design and conduct clinical trials to
assess new and existing interventions that may reduce symptom severity or
prevent symptom occurrence. The mission of MD Anderson’s Department of Symptom Research is to identify mechanisms underlying the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, to develop new ways of assessing these symptoms, and to perform clinical trials to alleviate them. We have a two-pronged approach toward achieving this mission: on the preclinical research side, our Neuroimmunology Laboratory conducts molecular, cellular, and behavioral studies on the neurotoxicities associated with cancer and its treatment, to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for alleviating symptom burden. On the clinical research side, we develop symptom-assessment methods based on patient-reported outcomes for use in clinical research and practice, and we design and conduct clinical trials to assess new and existing interventions that may reduce symptom severity or prevent symptom occurrence.
The Chair is responsible for providing leadership and assumes full responsibility for all areas of the department, including, but not limited to, basic, translational, and clinical research within the department; faculty development and evaluation; integration of educational programs; finance and budgeting; and departmental strategic planning that aligns with institutional direction. The Chair inspires professional growth by ensuring career development opportunities and mentorship for department faculty and trainees, as well as fostering a positive work environment that emphasizes collaboration, collegiality and wellness for all. The Chair will also represent the department, division and institution in local, regional, state, and national matters.
Qualifications
·10 years of experience post doctorate degree
·PhD or MD/PhD
·Demonstration of scientific excellence and performance
·Administrative experience at a departmental or institutional level
·Proven track record of successful and independent translational research and grant or protocol funding
·Consistent record of contributions to education or training and to mentoring of trainees, faculty, or staff
·Progressive leadership experience in an academic setting, preferred experience in an oncologic setting
·Ability to function effectively in a matrix organization characterized by complex intra- and inter- disciplinary relationships
The candidate must have experience in multidisciplinary research and an established record in training and development of postdoctoral fellows and students. The Chair will oversee the faculty leadership within the department, which includes areas of education, information technology, interactions with clinical departments, research, operations, and quality. The Chair will need to possess outstanding skills in interpersonal relationships, critical analysis, and problem solving.
Embedded in the fourth largest U.S. city and the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical center,MD Anderson is one of the premier cancer centers in the world. We are invested and determined in our collective focus on one goal: to end cancer. From basic discoveries to impacts in the clinic, back to the lab and out to the community, our clinicians and scientists create a virtuous cycle of innovation, grounded in a culture of collaboration, connectivity and data-based science.
Interested candidates should send a copy of their curriculum vitae and supplemental narrative statement to address their qualifications by November 10, 2025.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
