Vice Chair of Translational Research

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) is seeking an innovative leader to build upon the department’s outstanding research program. The Vice Chair of Translational Research is a key member of the leadership team that works to fulfill the University and Institute’s mission of enhancing the quality of life by improving sight, preventing blindness, and advancing ophthalmic knowledge through compassionate patient care and innovative research. This individual will provide strategic vision and operational leadership for the research enterprise by developing and managing policies, programs, and resource allocation. Increasing the department’s success in research funding from the National Eye Institute (NEI) is a high priority for this important position. Leveraging existing strengths of the research group, anticipating research priorities by funding agencies, and collaborating with other departments within the medical school will anchor the strategy. He/she will work collaboratively with the Director of the Bascom Palmer Eye Translational Institute, Department of Ophthalmology Chair, Medical Director of BPEI, Director of Clinical Research, and Director of Basic Science Research to support the growth of groundbreaking basic science and clinical research.

The Vice Chair of Translational Research should demonstrate success in medical research and discovery with the ability to effectively identify the implications of research findings and recommend specific actions. The successful candidate should bring a proven track record of securing research funding and developing programs in research. Experience in attracting and recruiting researchers and staff is highly desirable. He/she should have a personal communication style and integrity that fosters an environment of trust, teamwork, and accountability. The position requires an individual with a passion for embracing change and organizing others to achieve ambitious goals. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic vision and operational leadership for basic science and clinical research at BPEI.
• Foster research collaboration across different departments within the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
• Significantly grow the amount of sponsored research funding within BPEI, particularly NEI funding.
• Promote industry collaborations to translate research into enhanced patient care.
• Serve as a key strategist, educator, and advisor for leadership in the department and medical school regarding priorities for the NEI and other funding agencies.
• Develop appropriate performance standards, metrics, and reporting tools relating to research productivity.
• Build a culture of transparency and shared purpose by promoting strong internal and external relationships with academic partners, physicians, and management teams.
• Develop and mentor the academic careers of research faculty promoting scholarly activity.
• Skillfully recruit outstanding new faculty to cultivate a pipeline of next-generation leaders in research within the department.
• Actively promote the education of graduate students, medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty in research.
• Enhance the philanthropic support of the department though relationships with donors.
• Develop and implement an annual research budget in collaboration with the Department Chair.
• Manage and participate in activities and committees to ensure research regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the Annual Research Retreat.
• Represent BPEI at the University of Miami including but not limited to the Dean’s Research Cabinet, Chairs and Institute Directors, CTSI Leadership, UMMG, Faculty Council, CRIS, ORA, IRB, other research administrative services and other at other departments of research at the University of Miami.
• Represent BPEI research enterprise at nationally and internationally including but not limited to the NIH, AAO, AUPO Council of Research Directors, ARVO Research Directors, and others.
• Conduct annual reviews of the research faculty with the Director of Basic Science Research.