Program Co-Leader, Developmental Therapeutics (F66820)

The mission of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is to serve as a comprehensive center of excellence in cancer research, prevention and control, patient care, education and health equity. Our guiding principles are to make important discoveries about cancer and to translate these discoveries rapidly into better prevention, detection, treatment and control of cancer to equitably enhance the quality of life of all individuals affected by cancer.

We invite you to apply for the position of Program Co-Leader, Developmental Therapeutics at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The purpose of the position is to provide leadership and direction with other members of the senior leadership team for the Center in the furtherance of the mission to serve Virginia and the nation as an internationally recognized center of excellence in cancer research, prevention and control, patient care and education dedicated to improving the quality of human life by eliminating suffering and death through development and delivery of more effective means for the detection, treatment, prevention, control and ultimate cure of cancer.

Developmental Therapeutics Program Leaders are charged with overseeing the programmatic growth and cohesiveness of the program for the Cancer Center with a primary focus on the discovery and development of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with cancer. The Developmental Therapeutics Program Leader is responsible for identifying opportunities for strategic growth and development to facilitate interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary cancer research between and within programs, in order to harness the considerable intellectual talent and scientific resources of VCU and focus them on solving the nation’s cancer problem. The faculty member will also support the department with teaching responsibilities at the graduate level and mentoring students and/or trainees as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• As the Program Leader for the Developmental Therapeutics (DT) program, the over-arching responsibilities for this position include the following:
• New member orientation and mentorship of junior faculty members, to include suggesting senior member mentors, and steer new members to pilot project and other funding mechanisms to assure viability as an independent researcher.
• Participation in strategic planning and recruitment activities for the MCCC through Executive and Governance Committees.
  Promote and coordinate initiatives to foster and facilitate intra and inter-programmatic collaboration, particularly across disciplines.
• Participate in research educational activities that include such activities as Center-wide symposia, retreats, poster sessions, training programs, and standard and special courses in the various schools of the institution.
• Responsible for organizing monthly DT meetings as well as the yearly Developmental Therapeutics Research Retreat.
• Responsible for allocating DT-related funds to further DT research goals and to foster inter- and intra-programmatic initiatives.
• Review and interview potential program members to understand their area of cancer research and identify potential collaborations, as part of the application process for Cancer Center membership.
• Work closely with other Program leaders, Associate Directors, and members of Disease Working Groups to develop therapeutic initiatives for patients with cancer based on concepts emanating from all MCCC programs.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Required Qualifications

• Academic appointment with tenure, or tenure-track position at the level of Associate or Professor
• M.D., D.O., or M.D./Ph.D degree
• Extensive cancer relevant research experience at either the basic or clinical level
• Proven extramural funding track record in basic or clinical research initiatives
• Extensive publication experience in the area of cancer therapeutics, including those that are laboratory- or clinically-based
• Proven trainee and faculty mentorship skills
• Experience in, and coordination of, collaborative grants and managing trans-disciplinary research

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven leadership, relationship building, and strong communication skills
• Experience working in a matrix environment within academic medicine
• Proven success in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams
• A proven track record of translation of basic laboratory concepts into the clinical arena
• Familiarity with/participation in national group studies (e.g., ETCTN)