POSITION OVERVIEWThe Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch seeks a Vice Chair for Research to serve as a senior faculty leader responsible for delineating and executing a growth strategy for the department's research enterprise. This role encompasses strategic planning, faculty recruitment, mentorship of junior investigators, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligning departmental research efforts with UTMB's institutional priorities.
The Vice Chair for Research will serve as the Chair's principal delegate for research affairs, representing the department at the School of Medicine Council of Vice Chairs of Research. A critical focus of this role is building the department's research portfolio through strategic recruitment of faculty, supporting investigators at all stages of their careers, and fostering synergies with other departments, centers, and institutes at UTMB. The Vice Chair for Research will prioritize growth in areas synergistic with UTMB's strengths, including but not limited to Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic disease, Healthy Aging, Brain Health, and Microbiology/Immunology. The Vice Chair for Research will maintain an active research program while advancing the collective success of the department's research mission.
This position reports to Dr. Salim Hayek, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. The Vice Chair for Research will work collaboratively with other departmental Vice Chairs, Division Chiefs, and institutional research leaders to expand research activities across the department's tripartite mission of patient care, education, and investigation.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW The Department of Internal Medicine is the largest department within UTMB's John Sealy School of Medicine, encompassing multiple divisions including Allergy and Immunology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, General Medicine, Geriatrics, Infectious Disease, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Nephrology, Palliative Care, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, and Rheumatology. The department operates a categorical Internal Medicine residency program with approximately 32 positions per cycle, as well as a distinctive combined Aerospace/Internal Medicine residency in partnership with NASA-the only program of its kind in the United States.
Under the leadership of Dr. Salim Hayek, the Department of Internal Medicine fosters a culture of excellence grounded in six core principles: radical transparency, recognition of exceptional contributions, shared accountability for elevating care, support for practicing at the top of one's scope, investment in academic success, and collaboration across all divisions. Faculty thrive in a data-driven, innovative environment that integrates precision medicine, research advancement, and clinical excellence. The Department is committed to transparency, measurable performance, and providing the mentorship, resources, and infrastructure necessary for each faculty member to build and sustain a successful academic career.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership and Growth
- Develop and implement a comprehensive research growth strategy aligned with UTMB's strategic priorities
- Serve as the Chair's principal delegate for research matters, coordinating research efforts across all Internal Medicine divisions
- Work closely with the Office of Clinical Research, the Chief Research Officer, and their associates to align departmental research initiatives with institutional strategy and resources
- Identify and advance opportunities for interdisciplinary, translational, and clinical research collaborations
- Serve as a liaison for research compliance and integrity, supporting investigators through IRB processes and responding to concerns
Faculty Development and Mentorship
- Partner with the Chair and Division Chiefs to strategically recruit and retain research faculty who will strengthen the department's portfolio
- Partner with the Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs on mentoring program development for research track faculty
- Provide structured mentorship to junior investigators and guide them in establishing independent funding and scholarship
- Oversee departmental research education initiatives, including faculty development in grant writing, research methods, and scholarly productivity
Research Infrastructure and Operations
- Collaborate with departmental and institutional leaders to ensure optimal use of research resources, space, and infrastructure
- Support processes that streamline research administration, compliance, and funding support
- Advocate for departmental needs related to cores, facilities, and research support services
- Chair the Department of Internal Medicine Research Council, comprising the Vice Chair for Research and Associate Chiefs for Research from across the Divisions, to coordinate and advance departmental research initiatives
- Support scholarship dissemination through presentations, publications, and multi-investigator grants
Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities
- Foster partnerships with other departments, institutes, and centers at UTMB to build synergistic programs
- Represent the department at the School of Medicine Council of Vice Chairs of Research and other institutional research committees
- Promote collaborations that position UTMB and the Department of Internal Medicine for competitive extramural funding, including UTMB's innovation and tech transfer offices to support commercialization and industry partnerships
- Champion a culture of inquiry, innovation, and academic excellence
- Facilitate robust opportunities for medical students and residents to engage in research across the department's divisions
- Encourage integration of novel technologies and approaches, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, to enhance research productivity
CANDIDATE PROFILERequired Qualifications
- MD, DO, PhD, or MD/PhD degree; Board Certification in Internal Medicine or subspecialty if clinically active
- Eligibility for medical licensure in Texas (if clinically active)
- Academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor at an accredited medical school, or qualifications consistent with appointment at this level at UTMB
- Proven track record as a federally funded investigator (NIH or equivalent peer-reviewed funding)
- Demonstrated leadership in research program development, mentorship, and collaboration
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to build consensus and lead through influence
Valued Experience
- Proven experience in leading research growth initiatives or multi-investigator research programs in academic medical centers
- Expertise in areas synergistic with UTMB's strengths, including Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic disease, Healthy Aging, Brain Health, Microbiology/Immunology, or related fields
- Track record of successful mentorship resulting in grant success and promotion of junior investigators
- Record of scholarly productivity in basic, translational, or clinical research, including high-impact publications and sustained extramural funding
- Leadership roles in professional societies relevant to research or academic medicine
- Experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives, including development of center grants or program projects
- Involvement in institutional research leadership, including service on research committees, grant review panels, or strategic planning groups
- Leadership development through participation in structured programs such as leadership academies, executive education, or formal management and communication workshops
COMPENSASION AND SUPPORTCompensation for this position follows the Department of Internal Medicine Leader Compensation Plan and is benchmarked to the AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data aligned by academic rank. Total compensation includes a competitive base salary plus an at-risk leadership incentive tied to mutually agreed-upon annual performance goals across strategic priorities. A detailed Memorandum of Understanding will specify compensation structure, effort allocation, and performance expectations upon appointment.
The Vice Chair for Research will have access to administrative support, participation in departmental strategic planning, and institutional resources for faculty development. Protected time for research or scholarly activity may be negotiated based on investigative portfolio and grant support. Startup funding for research may be available depending on the candidate's research program and institutional priorities.
UTMB offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or Optional Retirement Program, and professional development support.
LOCATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE Galveston Island (population approximately 50,000) is located 30 miles south of Houston, the nation's fourth largest city. The island offers Gulf Coast beaches, extensive water recreation opportunities, temperate climate, and historic charm. The region provides notably lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan markets while maintaining proximity to Houston's world-class amenities.
Houston provides comprehensive cultural and recreational resources including professional sports (Astros, Texans, Rockets), performing arts venues, the Museum District, diverse international dining, and extensive shopping. The region offers excellent outdoor recreation with beach access, fishing, and sailing, along with strong public and private school options. The Texas Medical Center's proximity facilitates academic collaboration and professional networking. Major airports (Houston Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental) provide convenient access for national and international travel, supporting both professional engagement and personal connections.
