Professor and Director of the Center for Radiation Research

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) is seeking a new Director of the Center for Radiation Research (CRR). This key leadership role will oversee and drive the development, implementation and management of radiation research initiatives within VP&S, as well as in the Department of Radiation Oncology, where it will be administratively based. The Center will serve as the translational "bench' research hub for the Department and the Director will report to the Department Chair. The Center Director will play an important role in VP&S scientific leadership, participating in the VP&S Scientific Council of Center and Institute Directors, the Herbert Irving Cancer Center leadership team, and in key University programmatic initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to be a world-class radiation scientist with a history of pioneering research accomplishments, leadership experience and a proven track record in identifying outstanding young researchers and fostering their careers.

The Center is located at two campuses - CUIMC and at the Columbia University Nevis Laboratories in Westchester County. The latter houses the CRR's Radiation Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF, www.raraf.org ), the only accelerator facility in the United States dedicated to the pre-clinical study of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation. Major programs include pre-clinical research into heavy-ion charged particle and FLASH radiotherapy; understanding the biological effects of very low doses of radiation including radiation risks associated with CT scans, space radiation and nuclear power / events, and a new research portfolio leveraging far ultraviolet (far-UVC) light as a tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases. Candidates who are leaders in these or other areas of radiation biology, including DNA repair, radiation radiosensitizers and radio-immune modulation , are strongly encouraged to apply. The CRR currently has a total staff of 41, including 10 PhD faculty, 3 of whom are tenured, and has been internationally recognized as the premier radiation research program.

Strategic Leadership : Provide strategic direction and leadership for the radiation research program, aligning objectives with the Department and institutional goals and priorities.

Research Oversight : Oversee all aspects of radiation research activities including project planning, execution and evaluation in close collaboration with the Department Chair.

Research Management : Manage human, financial and physical resources effectively to support the success of radiation research endeavors in collaboration with the Department Administrator and Chair.

Collaboration : Foster collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including faculty, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and funding agencies.

Faculty Support : Provide mentorship and support to faculty members engaged in radiation research, facilitating their professional growth and development.

Grant Writing : Assist faculty members in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals to secure external research funding.

Regulatory Compliance : Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, ethical standards and institutional policies governing radiation research.

Education and Training : Contribute to the education and training of students, residents, fellows and other trainees in radiation research methodologies and practices.

Quality Assurance : Implement quality assurance measures to uphold the integrity, accuracy and validity of radiation research findings.

Communication : Serve as a spokesperson for the radiation research program, promoting its achievements and impact through publications, presentations and other communication channels.

Applicants should have a PhD, MD, MD / PhD or equivalent degree, substantial national and international stature and expertise in managing large-scale research programs. The candidate is expected to provide leadership for the Center for Radiation Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology and articulate a vision for its continued growth, supported with a firm commitment to the recruitment of multiple new faculty members and facilities to match the recruitments.

• Distinguished record of scholarly achievements, including a significant publication record in leading scientific journals and a demonstrated ability to secure external research funding.
• Demonstrated international leadership in the field of radiation sciences through organization of conferences and serving on funding and award committees.
• Demonstrated expertise in radiation sciences and research methodologies.
• Proven leadership experience in academic or research settings.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills.
• Track record of securing research funding and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and ethical considerations in research.
• Leadership experience in academic or research settings with a proven track record of fostering collaboration and promoting excellence.
• Strong commitment to graduate and / or medical education including a record of effective teaching and mentorship. Experience in mentorship of junior scientists and mid-career scientists will be considered as a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Actively participate in long-term strategic vision to advance basic and translational research in the Department of Radiation Oncology.

The search committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching and / or service will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Columbia University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment and strongly encourages applications from women underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.