Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology

The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) seeks a dynamic, nationally recognized biochemist, biophysicist, chemical biologist, or molecular biologist, and academic leader to be the Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (BMP). With research programs spanning a broad range of subjects, tackling fundamental biological questions at a molecular level, the BMP faculty are an interactive community that encourages the development of enabling technologies, research at the interface of multiple disciplines, and team science.  UMMS is ranked in the top quartile of research-based medical schools in the value of all grants and contracts; it consistently ranks among the top ten schools in annual intellectual property licensing revenues.

 

The Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology will be expected to create a vision for and shape the future of the Department. Leading all aspects of BMP, the Chair will work directly with Terence Flotte, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine, Provost and Executive Deputy Chancellor, to allocate resources for and expand into new research areas through recruitment of new faculty, administrators, and staff.

 

The BMP department is proud to be an incredibly collegial and collaborative community, which is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone. The members of the department are actively working to educate themselves (https://www.umassmed.edu/bmp/diversity/bmp-diversity/) as they focus on recruiting and supporting students, postdocs, staff, and faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and participating in a variety of on-going UMMS campus efforts (https://www.umassmed.edu/diversity-in-action/). The department seeks a Chair that champions these goals and will provide strong leadership in the department and the UMMS campus for these efforts.

 

The Chair will promote teaching, mentorship, outreach, innovation, and cutting-edge research, while making administrative decisions within the established operating philosophy, goals, and objectives of UMMS, in line with our strategic planning IMPACT 2025 document (https://www.umassmed.edu/chancellor/office/joint-strategic-planning/). The chair will evaluate performance and initiate personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions, disciplinary or similar actions, and encourage the professional growth and development of faculty. The chair will both grow NIH-funded research within the department and strengthen ties across the research communities at UMMS.

 

The ideal candidate will

 

  • have an outstanding record of extramurally funded research;
  • have a demonstrated record of trainee and faculty mentorship and of enhancing diversity and inclusivity;
  • have the ability to recruit, mentor, and retain outstanding faculty in the Department;
  • display a passion for fundamental research;
  • show the ability to be an advocate for the department both within UMMS and throughout the broader academic community;
  • inspire by example and by mentorship, supporting and building collaboration and collegiality within the department, and with other departments;
  • promote a compelling vision that is embraced by UMMS faculty

 

UMMS is a world-class public research institution located in the heart of New England. Worcester, Massachusetts is the second largest city in the Commonwealth, providing a rich and diverse environment with thriving art, music, and cultural scenes. The city urban and rural communities offer opportunities to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities within minutes of the campus. Major research hubs of Boston and Providence are within 50 miles of campus, as are their international travel hubs.

 

Contact

The University of Massachusetts Medical School has retained Park Square Executive Search to assist in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. To request a full copy of the position description, or for nominations, inquiries and applications may be sent in confidence to:

 

Jonathan Fortescue, Ph.D., Managing Partner or

Kyle Meingast, Principal

+1 617 401 2991

UMMSChair@parksquare.com