Chair, Department of Biophysics

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is pleased to announce the international search for its next Chair of the Department of Biophysics. We welcome applications from prestigious scientists in the fields of or related to electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging, redox biology, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease research, and cryo-EM. The Biophysics Chair will work collaboratively with the Dean of the School of Medicine, fellow department chairs, institute and center directors, and distinguished research faculty and staff to establish and implement a strategic plan that will capitalize on the current strengths and international reputation of the department while propelling the department to lead foundational and translational research, instrumentation development, and technology discovery and advancement.

The Biophysics Chair will lead and oversee all department research efforts, graduate education, and faculty and staff development programs. The chair will serve as the leader for advancements in biophysics across MCW, be a mentor, and promote collaborations within and between departments, institutes and centers, as well as interpret and implement MCW strategic visions as they apply to the department. Additional administrative responsibilities will include financial management of the department infrastructure and the continued recruitment of dynamic faculty, staff, and students. This position will include dedicated time for funded research and a highly competitive lab start-up package.

A successful candidate should possess many, if not all, of the following qualifications:

  • A PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree; process qualifications for a MCW faculty appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank.
  • A distinguished academic and professional career, including significant teaching and/or biomedical or clinical research activities
  • National or international stature in the biophysics community
  • Extensive experience in graduate program education and research programs
  • Demonstrated current and prior funding success
  • Demonstrated strategic and implementation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to advance scientific goals and manage a diversely focused department
  • Effective management and use of authority and resources to advance the Biophysics research mission
  • An ability to articulate a compelling vision and implement a strategy that engages faculty, staff, and students, a strong advocate
  • The ability to promote collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and other constituencies in making critical decisions on academic priorities and the allocation of resources
  • A fierce commitment to diversity and inclusion, including a history of success in building a diverse faculty, staff, and student body
  • Experience in the recruitment, retention, and development of excellent faculty, staff, and students
  • Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written
  • An entrepreneurial, collaborative, creative, and driven spirit

About the Department of Biophysics

The Department of Biophysics at MCW has a rich history of innovation, unique expertise, and successful collaborations. The research interests of our 13 faculty are broadly based, with strong, innovative research programs in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, protein structure and function, biological membranes, redox biology, instrumentation development as well as novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications and data analysis for the study of cancer biology and Alzheimer’s disease models for translation to clinical practice.

The Department of Biophysics has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment geared toward these programs. The department houses numerous chemical and biochemical labs, two tissue culture labs, an engineering complex, a microwave lab, five EPR spectroscopy labs, and a machine shop.

EPR Research: The National Biomedical EPR Center, housed within the Department of Biophysics, is the most extensive EPR facility in the nation. The research conducted within the EPR Center includes technological innovation and application of new techniques to biological problems.

Redox Research: Scientists in the Department of Biophysics are internationally recognized for their expertise in and contribution to the field of free radical and redox biology.

MR Physics & Brain Imaging Research: MCW Biophysics scientists have been engaged in MRI/functional MRI (fMRI) research for more than 25 years, publishing the first paper on fMRI in 1992 and on resting-state fMRI in 1995.

Biophysics Graduate Program: The Biophysics Graduate Program features two primary areas of research: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Molecular Biophysics.

Centers: The Department of Biophysics is home to the National Biomedical EPR Center, Redox Biology Program and MCW Cancer Center Bioenergetics Shared Resource.

Key Opportunity Highlights:

  • Direct the development and implementation of a Biophysics strategic plan that will guide the department into the future regarding technology and discovery.
  • Opportunity to build on the strengths of the established biophysics initiatives of fMRI, EPR, and in collaboration with Radiology, Center for Imaging Research, Micro and Biomedical Engineering develop new areas of expertise.
  • MCW Biophysics is internationally respected for innovative research in real time fMRI, high-resolution fMRI and functional connectivity mapping, use of multiparametric MRI methods in brain tumor imaging.
  • The MCW Biophysics Department is a nationally respected and considered pioneers in the development of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy instrumentation and applications.
  • Faculty are internationally renowned, participating in NIH study sections, as invited speakers at scientific conferences, and reviewers of leading journals.

About MCW

MCW is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. The core of everything we do at the MCW is academic medicine, which brings together scientists, clinicians, students, and community members to solve challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to build a healthier world. Every study we conduct, and every patient we see, leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge.

To Apply

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications, including current curriculum vitae and a cover letter stating qualifications and reasons for interest in the role, may be submitted to Wesley Millican, MBA, CEO and Physician Talent Officer, CareerPhysician, C/O Kerry Henry at Kerry@careerphysician.com. All interactions will remain confidential, and no inquiries will be made without the consent of the applicant. We are dedicated to the principles of equity and diversity and particularly encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Medical College of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for employment whose qualifications are commensurate with anticipated job responsibilities and position requirements will be considered and treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.