Overview

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine invites applications and nominations for the position of Director to lead the dynamic and rapidly growing Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET). CHET is a transdisciplinary research and training center focused on developing the most innovative and impactful research and training portfolio that will advance health equity for all.

The UK College of Medicine seeks a visionary director with a successful record of research achievement focused on the advancement of equity in cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and other related neurological conditions, diabetes and obesity, substance use, or other health conditions. Exceptional accomplishments as a researcher and academic are necessary, as the director’s duties will include continuing their own research program as well as supervising trainees and maintaining service activities. We are seeking a senior (Associate or Full Professor) research and leadership-focused faculty member for this tenured or tenure-track, Regular Title Series, full-time (12-month) position.  It is anticipated that the academic appointment for this position will be located in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine.
The predominant criteria for appointment as director include a national reputation for research and a strong track record of mentoring faculty while training future leaders in this area. A successful candidate will be a prominent academic leader and role model with a national reputation in equity-focused research, education, and mentorship.

The successful candidate should demonstrate leadership skills as a listener, decision-maker, and equity-oriented scholar and be an effective advocate for the Center and its faculty, trainees, and staff. The candidate should have experience developing collaborative initiatives and the skills needed to promote, foster, and facilitate the trust of colleagues and the broader University faculty. The successful applicant should demonstrate impeccable integrity and be an effective communicator. Prior extensive administrative experience as a department chair, director, vice chair, or director of graduate studies or equivalent is preferred.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

  • PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Communication, Health Services Research, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences, or other related fields and be eligible for appointment at an Associate or Full Professor rank
  • Strong record of extramural funding and peer-reviewed publications in health equity/disparities research
  • Demonstrated leadership in administrative positions
  • Documented record of inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and retention of academic scholars
  • Demonstrated commitment to mentorship and career development of trainees across the career stages—undergraduates, professional and medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career faculty
  • Recognized involvement in academic and professional societies at a national level

The College of Medicine seeks qualified applicants who value its missions and share its commitment to creating an environment in which inclusion is imperative and belonging is foundational. As an Equal Opportunity Action Employer, we strive to foster a community in which individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome.

Interested applicants should apply through the University of Kentucky job posting: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/543440. Questions and inquiries can be directed to the search chairs: William W. Stoops (william.stoops@uky.edu) or Kevin J. Pearson (kevin.pearson@uky.edu). All applications will be handled in a secure, sensitive, and confidential manner.

The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will begin on September 16, 2024. Please submit by this date to ensure full consideration.

About University of Kentucky

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Established in 1960, the College of Medicine (COM) produces highly qualified, caring physicians and biomedical scientists to serve the people of Kentucky and the nation. In 2021, the college tallied 718 medical students among its main campus and three regional campuses, along with 807 ACGME-accredited program residents and fellows, and 300 graduate students. It is one of six health-related colleges at the University (Dentistry, Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health), encompassing a combined 25 basic science and clinical departments and more than 1,100 full-time faculty members.

In the past two years, the college has expanded its educational and research efforts, adding two new regional campuses in Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky with educational opportunities that complement those offered at the main campus in Lexington. The college also has a campus in Morehead, a component of its effort to address the Commonwealth’s physician shortage by offering third- and fourth-year medical students a curriculum that emphasizes rural medicine.

In recent years the COM has put a heavy focus on research. In fiscal year 2023, the college’s research funding totaled more than $211.8 million, with its National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding doubling since fiscal year 2017. With 923 active awards conducted by 357 PI/MPIs in 2023, UK COM is dedicated to alleviating the health issues Kentuckians face through cutting edge research.

ABOUT UK HEALTHCARE
UK HealthCare, the College of Medicine’s clinical enterprise, is an award-winning, nationally recognized health care system dedicated to patient-focused care. Its designation as a Level 1 trauma Center and its reception of Magnet status means its team of more than 9,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals is heavily qualified to treat Kentucky’s sickest patients. The hospital system, which includes more than 80 specialized clinics and 140 outreach programs, reported more than 41,500 discharges of patients and 1.8 million outpatient visits in fiscal year 2019. Under the leadership of Co-Executive Vice Presidents for Health Affairs, Drs. Robert DiPaola and Eric Monday, and the Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Jay Grider, UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report for the past five years.

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
The University of Kentucky is a public land grant university and Kentucky’s flagship institution with a mission to serve the Commonwealth through excellence in education, research, creative work, service, and health care.

The University has been named a “Great College to Work For” and is among only 22 universities in the country on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Employers.” Those who work here enjoy competitive employee benefits, along with a variety of enriching arts and entertainment experiences including concerts, museum visits, and spirited athletics events.
For more information about UK’s campus, watch: https://visit.uky.edu/virtual-visit

LIVING IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and home to a welcoming, open-minded, and diverse community. The city is a blend of scenic beauty and a vibrant nightlife with campus happenings and downtown attractions. It also maintains a thriving economy thanks to its abundance of various industries. Large worldwide companies such as Lexmark and Valvoline are headquartered in Lexington, and other major employers such as Amazon and UPS have a strong presence here. For more information and an engaging video overview, click here:  https://www.uky.edu/ofa/welcome-lexington

For additional information on the city of Lexington, visit: http://www.visitlex.com/about/visitor-guide/   or watch: https://www.visitlex.com/virtual-tours-lexington/