Position Summary
The BRIDGE Center Director and Translational Research Faculty Member serves as a senior scientific leader within the planned School of Medicine’s Institute for Multidisciplinary Translational Medicine ( MTM Institute), and holds a joint faculty appointment between the School of Medicine and the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication providing strategic vision and leadership for the advancement of translational biomedical research. This position is responsible for establishing and sustaining an internationally recognized, externally funded research program that leverages emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biomedical wearables, sensors, digital biomarkers, immersive virtual environments, and multimodal data analytics to accelerate scientific discovery and improve human and animal health outcomes through a One Health framework.
The incumbent directs the BRIDGE Center and is expected to secure extramural funding for the center, lead multidisciplinary research initiatives, expand environmental health sciences research capacity, foster collaborations across academic, clinical, community, government, and industry partners, and support the successful renewal and/or growth of center funding. The position requires leadership of complex research programs and teams, development of a translational research infrastructure, management of scientific cores and pilot programs, oversight of budgets and compliance activities, and promotion of innovative approaches that bridge laboratory discoveries to clinical, veterinary, and community applications.
As a senior faculty member at tenure-track rank of Associate Professor or Professor, the individual contributes to the School of Medicine’s and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication’s educational mission through mentoring students, trainees, and junior faculty, developing educational programs in translational science, biomedical informatics, responsible AI, digital health, and environmental health sciences, and fostering the next generation of physician-scientists and biomedical researchers. The position also provides leadership, strengthens partnerships and shared resources, and represents the BRIDGE Center to federal agencies, university leadership, and external stakeholders.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant screening will begin immediately. The application packet should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter addressing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the responsibilities and qualifications of the position and contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Please note that references will only be contacted with applicant’s prior consent.
Posting Details
Posting Number
F2828P
Working Title
Associate Professor/Professor of Innovation and Technology for Translational Research in Biomedicine
Department
SOM-Research
About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The University of Georgia School of Medicine was founded in 2024 and received preliminary accreditation in 2026.
The establishment of a new public medical school at UGA comes as the state faces a significant shortage of medical professionals. The population of Georgia, the nation’s eighth-largest state, has surged to approximately 11 million residents, straining existing medical infrastructure and resulting in longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Georgia currently ranks 39th in the nation for the number of active patient care physicians per capita and 41st for the number of public medical students per capita.
As a top-20 public university with a thriving research enterprise and vast public service network, the University of Georgia is well-positioned to produce more highly trained physicians, alleviate physician shortages, and improve the state’s ability to provide quality health care for its citizens.
The School of Medicine is located on UGA’s Health Sciences Campus in Athens. In its inaugural year, the UGA School of Medicine will enroll 60 students per class, but a new $100 million medical school building will enable the UGA School of Medicine to grow to 120 students per class in the future.
College/Unit/Department website
https://medicine.uga.edu/
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and achievements.
Anticipated Start Date
01/01/2027
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date
10/01/2026
Job Closing Date
11/04/2026
Open until filled
No
Location of Vacancy
Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( [contact details available in the full listing] ).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy [contact details available in the full listing] .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title
Open Rank
FLSA
Faculty Rank
Open Rank (Tenure Track)
Contract Type
Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Earned PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a field relevant to digital health, artificial intelligence, biomedical informatics, engineering, environmental health sciences, communication science, behavioral science, public health, or related discipline.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements:
- History of serving as Principal Investigator or Multi-PI on federally funded research grants.