Senior Researcher in Mental Health and Brain Health, School of NursingJob no: Work type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Location: MCV Main Campus
Categories: Faculty
Unit: School of Nursing
Department: Adult Health and Nursing Systems
Chief Purpose of this position:The VCU School of Nursing invites applications for a senior tenure-track faculty position to lead a high-impact research program in Mental Health and/or Brain Health. We seek an established scientist with a consistent track record of extramural funding whose work is grounded in a life course perspective-examining how biological, behavioral, and social factors intersect at critical developmental stages to influence neurocognitive and mental health outcomes.
Key Responsibilities1. Research & Scholarship
- Program of Research: Maintain a robust, externally funded research portfolio focused on mental health, neuroscience/ brain health, and/or cognitive aging
- Grant Acquisition: Secure consistent extramural funding (e.g., NIH/NINR, AHRQ, PCORI, HRSA) to support research activities, with a focus on R-level, Center, and training grants
- Dissemination: Publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present at national/international policy and scientific forums
- Collaboration: Partner with interdisciplinary colleagues across VCU and beyond to address complex systems-level challenges
2. Teaching & Mentoring
- Teach and mentor students across programs and faculty/ trainees, providing relevant expertise in areas such as neuro/biobehavioral science, mental health, research methods, grant-writing, implementation science, and similar
3. Service & Leadership
- Provide leadership in departmental, college, and university committees
- Participate in strategic initiatives related to research infrastructure and capacity
- Contribute as thought-leaders to policy discussions, review panels, editorial boards and similar to accelerate the translation of science into practice
- Community Impact: Engage with the Richmond community and beyond to ensure research is relevant and translatable to community needs, aligning with VCU's mission as a community-engaged institution
Minimum Qualifications- PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Nursing, Neuroscience, Psychology, Public Health, Medicine, or related field
- Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor (tenure-eligible)
- Distinguished record of scholarly productivity, recent extramural funding (R-level, Center grants, training grants, or equivalent) as Principal Investigator, and current funding with a history of success in securing major research grants and managing large-scale projects
- Demonstrated commitment to research that complements and amplifies existing expertise in the School of Nursing and VCU (https://nursing.vcu.edu/research/faculty-research-and-scholarship-interests/)
- 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, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
Preferred Qualifications- If a registered nurse, eligibility for RN licensure in Virginia and a minimum of 2 years of previous clinical experience
- Experience mentoring doctoral students and junior faculty/post-doctoral trainees
- Experience with biobehavioral measurement (e.g., biomarkers, imaging), prevention, intervention, translational, or implementation science in mental health and brain health areas
- Commitment to and track record of interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences schools
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Restricted Position: No
ORP Eligible: Yes
Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Rank: Open
Tenure: Tenure Track
Months: 12 months
Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, 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.
Contact Information:Contact Name: Drs. Lana Sargent & Faika Zanjani
Contact Email: [email protected] &
[email protected]Advertised: 26 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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