Vice Chair for Research - Department of Urology

Department of Urology – Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine 

The newly established Department of Urology at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine invites applications for a visionary and accomplished scholar to serve as Vice Chair for Research. This full-time leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and elevate the department’s research enterprise. Academic rank, tenure status, and compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Research Mission

Our mission is to deliver exceptional, innovative, and impactful research through team science and robust collaborative partnerships—advancing medical knowledge and improving outcomes for patients with urologic conditions.

Research Objectives & Goals

We aim to foster a fully integrated research ecosystem that connects clinical, educational, and scientific faculty across the Department, the University, the Health System, and external partners. Our goals include:

• Driving transformational research through team science
• Securing external funding to build and sustain innovative programs
• Supporting faculty and trainees in high-impact scholarship
• Upholding the highest standards of research integrity aligned with VCU’s core values

By achieving these goals, we will amplify our research capacity and cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation.

Role Overview

The Vice Chair for Research will work closely with the Department Chair to develop and execute a long-term strategic vision that bridges basic science and clinical application—translating discoveries from bench to bedside. The ideal candidate will lead the development of infrastructure that supports clinical, translational, community-based, and educational research. We are particularly interested in individuals whose work addresses the fundamental mechanisms of urologic disease through genetic, molecular, or therapeutic innovation. The role will be enhanced by a transformational gift to the Department of Urology supporting research, education, and clinical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will lead and support the following departmental research priorities:

1. Strategic Planning & Oversight
• Co-develop a long-term research strategy that supports current initiatives and fosters new opportunities.
2. Leadership & Supervision
• Represent the Department on institutional research committees
• Supervise Teaching & Research (T&R) faculty, staff, and administrators
3. Funding Development
• Identify funding sources and facilitate grant workshops
• Serve as internal reviewer/editor for proposals to enhance competitiveness
4. Recruitment & Retention
• Identify strategic faculty needs and lead recruitment efforts
• Support retention and growth of research-active faculty and staff
5. Infrastructure Management
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and grant requirements
• Oversee lab space, equipment, and research resources
6. Mentorship
• Mentor faculty and trainees (students, residents, fellows, postdocs)
• Cultivate a supportive environment for scholarly growth
7. Career Development
• Promote professional development of faculty and trainees through workshops, collaborations, and educational events
8. Research Communication
• Lead dissemination of research updates via reports, web content, and social media
9. Community Engagement
• Advance research addressing urologic health disparities in VCU’s service communities and beyond

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree with formal training or credentials in a relevant urological discipline
• Active, externally funded research program in basic, translational, or clinical urology
• Proven track record of scholarly achievement and funding success appropriate for rank
• Extensive experience mentoring trainees and junior faculty
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills suited to an interdisciplinary environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Benefits: All full-time university faculty and staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Salary Range: Commensurate

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Rank: Open

Tenure: Open

Months: 12

Contact Name: Katherine Mulloy, Assistant Dean

Contact Email: kmulloy@vcu.edu