VCU School of Public Health
Associate Dean for Research
VCU School of Public Health, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Associate Dean for Research
VCU School of Public Health
Position Summary
The Associate Dean for Research is a senior academic leader charged with advancing the School of Public Health’s research mission and promoting a dynamic culture of inquiry and innovation, and supporting high‑impact research initiatives across disciplines. This position provides strategic vision and operational leadership, and oversight of research administration, faculty development, compliance, external funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working in close partnership with the Dean, academic leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders, the Associate Dean plays a central role in shaping the institution’s research enterprise and elevating its national and international reputation. This role also leads efforts to mentor and support faculty, especially early‑career researchers, and to build institutional systems that promote research excellence, innovation, and equitable impact across varied communities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and implement a long‑term vision and strategic plan for research across all academic units.
Promote a collaborative research environment that supports faculty, staff, and student participation.
Champion interdisciplinary, translational, and community‑engaged research efforts.
Research Development & Support:
Provide leadership in identifying and securing external funding from federal, state, industry, and philanthropic sources.
Develop and oversee internal grant programs and seed funding initiatives.
Establish mentoring programs for faculty and researchers to enhance grant writing and research productivity.
Research Compliance & Integrity:
Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including IRB and COI.
Promote ethical standards and responsible conduct in research.
Infrastructure & Administration:
Collaborate with the Director of Research Administration to guide the development of research infrastructure and provide strategic direction for pre‑award, grant management, contracts, and post‑award support.
Collaborate with IT, finance, legal, and facilities to support research infrastructure, research facilities and needs.
External Engagement:
Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, non‑profit, and academic institutions.
Represent the institution at research‑related conferences, consortia, and advocacy events.
Engage with communities and build connections that strengthen the school’s philanthropic efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement and a strong record of externally funded research at a level commensurate with a tenured Associate or Full Professor.
Proven ability to lead complex initiatives and foster collaboration across varied disciplines.
Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Strong knowledge of a variety of funding sources, research compliance, and institutional research processes.
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in research administration, research centers, or academic leadership.
Experience building and scaling research programs at a college or university.
Experience with technology transfer, innovation, and/or commercialization of research.
Experience in community‑engaged research and or behavioral clinical trials.
Strong knowledge of and experience working with federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE) and alternative funding streams including foundations (e.g., PCORI, RWJF, AHA) and industry.
To Apply Please provide a CV and Cover Letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
Salary Range Commensurate
FLSA Exemption Status Exempt
Flexible Work Arrangement Hybrid
Restricted Position No
ORP Eligible Yes
Rank Professor
Tenure Tenure Track
Contact Information Jessica G. LaRose, PhD – jlarose@vcu.edu
Benefits All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and implement a long‑term vision and strategic plan for research across all academic units.
Promote a collaborative research environment that supports faculty, staff, and student participation.
Champion interdisciplinary, translational, and community‑engaged research efforts.
Research Development & Support:
Provide leadership in identifying and securing external funding from federal, state, industry, and philanthropic sources.
Develop and oversee internal grant programs and seed funding initiatives.
Establish mentoring programs for faculty and researchers to enhance grant writing and research productivity.
Research Compliance & Integrity:
Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including IRB and COI.
Promote ethical standards and responsible conduct in research.
Infrastructure & Administration:
Collaborate with the Director of Research Administration to guide the development of research infrastructure and provide strategic direction for pre‑award, grant management, contracts, and post‑award support.
Collaborate with IT, finance, legal, and facilities to support research infrastructure, research facilities and needs.
External Engagement:
Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, non‑profit, and academic institutions.
Represent the institution at research‑related conferences, consortia, and advocacy events.
Engage with communities and build connections that strengthen the school’s philanthropic efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement and a strong record of externally funded research at a level commensurate with a tenured Associate or Full Professor.
Proven ability to lead complex initiatives and foster collaboration across varied disciplines.
Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Strong knowledge of a variety of funding sources, research compliance, and institutional research processes.
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in research administration, research centers, or academic leadership.
Experience building and scaling research programs at a college or university.
Experience with technology transfer, innovation, and/or commercialization of research.
Experience in community‑engaged research and or behavioral clinical trials.
Strong knowledge of and experience working with federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE) and alternative funding streams including foundations (e.g., PCORI, RWJF, AHA) and industry.
To Apply Please provide a CV and Cover Letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
Salary Range Commensurate
FLSA Exemption Status Exempt
Flexible Work Arrangement Hybrid
Restricted Position No
ORP Eligible Yes
Rank Professor
Tenure Tenure Track
Contact Information Jessica G. LaRose, PhD – jlarose@vcu.edu
Benefits All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
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