Chair, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Chair, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) at Florida International University (FIU) seeks applicants for the position of Chair within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, at the rank of tenured Associate Professor or Professor. This role involves providing visionary leadership for the department in developing and implementing a mission and strategy for growth that aligns with the HWCOM Strategic Plan, while integrating university-wide initiatives. The successful candidate will drive research and academic excellence by overseeing faculty recruitment, professional development, and performance while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. The Chair will be responsible for oversight and mentorship of department faculty located at multiple campuses, including the FIU Miami campus and the Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie. This leadership role will be key in building and sustaining high-quality, funded research programs across basic, translational, and clinical domains, while supporting faculty engaged in graduate and medical education research initiatives. Key responsibilities include mentoring faculty in research initiatives, promoting scholarly contributions, including publications and presentations, while maintaining an active, federally funded research program.

HWCOM stands at the forefront of integrating community-based medical education, clinical care, and cutting-edge biomedical research with a focus on training socially accountable physicians, scientists, and health professionals dedicated to community service. As an academic and clinical affiliate of Baptist Health, South Florida and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the HWCOM offers a unique environment for innovation and growth.

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.

Key Responsibilities
The Chair of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine plays a crucial role in shaping the growth and direction of the department. The Chair will be responsible for articulating and implementing a compelling vision and mission for the department, aligning with the broader goals of the HWCOM. This position involves strategic leadership, collaboration with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the department that advances education, biomedical research, and clinical care in alignment with the strategic goals of the HWCOM and affiliated healthcare institutions.
• Contribute to and support the HWCOM educational training program in alignment with relevant accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with the other chairs, program leads, and clinical operations leaders to coordinate faculty teaching assignments and clinical responsibilities.
• Lead faculty recruitment, onboarding, retention, and promotion efforts to ensure a high-performing workforce.
• Mentor individual faculty members and support their career advancement, including, for example, scholarly activities, teaching, research, clinical practice, and service.
• Facilitate faculty development and preparation for promotion, tenure, and post-tenure review, including scholarly publications and presentations.
• Conduct formal annual performance reviews and evaluations for all faculty (community-based & paid), including goal setting (e.g., promotion, tenure, post-tenure review).
• Ensure fair and equitable determination of annual faculty assignments.
• Manage the appointment and renewal process of all faculty, including Undergraduate Medical Education and/or Graduate Medical Education assignments.
• Address human resource concerns and mediate conflicts.
• Ensure faculty compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations (e.g., COI, HIPAA, FERPA).
• Ensure departmental compliance with college and university policies, procedures, and practices.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget effectively, ensuring financial sustainability and appropriate resource allocation (staffing, facilities, equipment).
• Serve as a liaison between the department, college leadership, and clinical partners.
• Represent the department at college and university-level activities as necessary.
• Participate in college and university committees and ensure faculty engagement in committee service.
• Hold regular department meetings (at least quarterly) to provide updates, discuss challenges, and share opportunities.
• Evaluate and report on departmental accomplishments annually and as needed.
• Promote a department culture of collaboration, respect, professionalism, and high standards of behavior.
• Encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives across departments and institutions.
• Maintain a database of local physicians willing to engage with students and trainees through mentorship, research, or other opportunities.
• Provide and facilitate expertise-specific mentorship, research opportunities, residency advising, and elective course counseling for students interested in the specialty.
• Collaborate with Faculty Affairs to facilitate faculty appointments for community-based physicians.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a terminal degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent).
• A minimum of five years of experience in a leadership role.
• An established record of academic and research excellence, including funding and scholarly achievements. Should have substantial creative work, professional writing, or research in refereed and other professional journals, and be a recognized authority in the field of specialization.
• Demonstrated record of achievement in teaching and service.
• Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Must meet university criteria for tenure appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in faculty management, with evidence of mentorship and a commitment to the professional development of faculty and staff personnel.
• Familiarity with academic program development, accreditation standards, and higher education policies.
• Expertise in multi-omics, bioinformatics, systems biology, or computational biology is highly encouraged.
• Expertise in oncology, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, neurosciences, or orthopedics is highly encouraged.

To apply, or to learn more about the position, please contact the Grant Cooper team via email at [email protected] Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.