Chief Scientific Officer

Doheny Eye Institute 

Search for the Chief Scientific Officer 

Los Angeles, California 


 

The Doheny Eye Institute, one of the nation’s premier ophthalmology research institutes, seeks its next Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). This is a unique opportunity to join a renowned eye institute, shape its strategic direction, and create and implement ground-breaking initiatives and programs that will have the greatest impact on human eyesight.

 

For over 70 years, Doheny Eye Institute, an independent nonprofit organization, has been at the forefront of vision research—furthering the conservation, improvement, and restoration of human eyesight and improving the lives of countless individuals locally and throughout the world. Doheny is recognized globally, having trained hundreds of the world’s most expert vision scientists and eye specialists. Training the leaders of the next generation of vision scientists is one of Doheny’s major goals over the next decade. Numerous chairs of ophthalmology programs in the U.S. and around the world have trained at Doheny or served on the faculty.

 

In 2013, Doheny embarked on a search to identify a new strategic partner whose mission would be complementary to Doheny’s and who shared the same values and commitment to excellence.  Consequently, Doheny and UCLA Stein Eye Institute, the top two eye institutes on the west coast, entered into a historic, 99-year affiliation. 

 

This affiliation preserves each organization's identity and mission while combining their strengths to create the nation's preeminent centers for ophthalmic patient care, vision research and education.    Under the affiliation, UCLA is responsible for patient care services, clinical education programs, and for UCLA/Stein’s own research programs. Doheny Eye Institute is responsible for Doheny’s research programs, research education programs, and continuing medical education. However, both institutions believe that the most benefit to society comes through the interaction between physicians and scientists exchanging ideas and working together to find solutions. Doheny scientists who qualify receive UCLA faculty appointments.

 

Doheny recently purchased a new headquarters building in Pasadena which is undergoing a full build-out with an anticipated move-in date in late fall of 2021. Here, Doheny clinicians and scientists will converge to work together in solving the most challenging problems causing visual impairment. The seven-acre vision science campus will house state-of-the-art research facilities, the Doheny image reading center, administrative offices, Doheny Eye Center UCLA clinics, faculty offices, and an ambulatory surgery center.  

 

Doheny’s priorities include the significant expansion of its research programs. Current research areas include: retina, glaucoma, inflammation & immunology, neuro-ophthalmology, space-flight associated neuro-ocular syndrome, advanced retinal imaging technologies, and artificial intelligence machine learning. 

Over the years, generous support from its donors, private foundations, and government grants have funded much of Doheny’s research programs. Many of these research programs have been enhanced by collaborations with other research institutions, universities, and industry.

 

The CSO will lead the establishment and implementation of Doheny Eye Institute’s strategy, initiatives, and goals to advance the field of ophthalmology/visual sciences and, specifically, Doheny’s vision science research programs and vision science education programs. Additionally, the CSO will:

 

  • Represent the Institute in scientific and educational matters and endeavors.
  • Serve as Doheny’s scientific spokesperson and ambassador.
  • Take a leading role in raising funds for Doheny’s research and education programs.
  • Develop and maintain a synergistic, collaborative, and mutually beneficial relationship with UCLA Stein leadership and faculty. 
  • Maintain current government funded research grants, including R01 grants. 
  • Foster collegiality and promote excellence in research, teaching and service throughout the organization. 
  • Optimize collaboration and dialogue between clinicians and scientists. 
  • Promote faculty development and provides mentorship.

 

The CSO position is supported by its own prestigious endowed chair. Doheny and UCLA/Stein are among the best-endowed eye institutes in the world. Doheny’s annual operating budget is $17 million, and its net assets exceed $175 million. Doheny has 135 employees, of which 32 are on the research team.

 

Doheny has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: www.imsearch.com/7930. Electronic submission of materials is required.


 

David Bellshaw and Courtney Wilk-Mandel

Isaacson, Miller

1000 Sansome Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: 415.655.4900


 

Doheny’s organizational culture is one of mutual respect, collaboration, and teamwork. Doheny’s core values are Innovation, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, and Service.