Associate Chair of Research

The Dell Medical School of The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the inaugural Associate Chair of Research in the Department of Psychiatry. The Dell Medical School has an explicit aim to create a vital, inclusive health ecosystem. As part of that vision, each department is developing strong clinical and translational research programs, including health services research. The Associate Chair therefore will be an integral part of building the Psychiatry department into a nationally recognized model for innovative research, education, and value-based care delivery.  This rare opportunity seeks an individual with the skill set and opportunity to realize the vast and versatile resources available within the University and community to affect meaningful change to mental health care access and delivery, treatment of psychiatric disorders and neurosciences advances to make these goals a reality. This position will report to the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, Stephen M. Strakowski, MD.

As part of The University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s leading research universities, the Dell Medical School is pursuing innovation in the redesign of healthcare delivery, excellence in healthcare research, and programs in interdisciplinary and inter-professional education. It is the fifth medical school in the UT System and the first medical school established in nearly five decades by a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization of leading public and private research universities.  An extraordinary commitment of resources, both public and private, has been made to enable the development and success of the Dell Medical School. The School is partnering closely with the community and regional healthcare providers and payers to provide new models for health promotion, healthcare delivery, and clinical care for the community.

Specific job responsibilities will include:

• Crafting a plan for Departmental research based on the priorities of the Department and its affiliates as well as building on the existing areas of strength within the myriad of outstanding programs at The University of Texas;
• Developing a sustainable research infrastructure for the Department, in conjunction with the Dell Medical School’s Research Enterprise; 
• Creating models for faculty and trainee research support, including training, tools and collaborative platforms;
• Identifying and securing funding for Departmental research priorities;
• Designing new research methods, tools, and approaches that align with new care models and the unique assets of the Austin community;
• Identifying and facilitating opportunities for broad dissemination of Departmental investigation;
• Developing metrics and performance evaluation processes for faculty members’ research contributions;
• Collaborating with the Associate Chairs of Clinical Integration and Operations and Education to ensure cohesive, mutually reinforcing initiatives;
• Representing the Department in key research-related decision-making bodies within the Dell Medical School and with care partners;
• Collaborating with Associate Chairs of Research in other Dell Medical School Departments on cross-cutting initiatives;
• Leading the development of an innovative research curriculum in undergraduate and graduate education;
• Collaborating with other schools at the University of Texas at Austin and across the University of Texas system to generate multidisciplinary and inter-professional value-based care opportunities;
• Serving on the Department’s leadership team;
• Developing a research program in the candidate’s area of interest that fits within the Departmental goals and missions.

Required Qualifications:

• MD or PhD in a clinical specialty from an accredited university;
• A history as a successful clinician-researcher in psychiatric clinical, translational or health services research;
• Eligible for Texas Clinical licensure;
• Eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor or professor;
• Substantial record of leadership and achievement in academic medicine including sustained acquisition and participation in funded research;
• Clear mentorship skills, interest and experience;
• Experience in leading large-scale research programs in mental health.