"Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology"

Job Details

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia (USC SOMC) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology (PMI). This is a tenure-track/tenured leadership appointment in a basic science department, with responsibility for academic, research, educational, and translational missions.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to advance the department's mission in research, education, and service while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The Chair will be responsible for the continued growth of the department's research enterprise, including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial and pathobiology research activity, enhancement of educational programs, and expansion of translational research efforts that bridge discovery science with clinical applications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and implement initiatives to grow and strengthen the department's research portfolio including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial, and pathobiology research activity
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across basic science, clinical departments, the NIH COBRE program, and associated centers to accelerate scientific discovery and clinical translation Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development
• Expand partnerships with state, national, and global research networks to expand funded training grants, interdisciplinary research teams, and programmatic growth
• Promote translation of basic science insights into clinical impact, disease mechanism understanding, immunotherapy or host-pathogen interaction research, and population health benefit
• Mentor and support faculty in securing extramural funding from NIH, NSF, and other federal and private sources
• Maintain an active, externally-funded research program
• Oversee core research facilities and infrastructure to support departmental research activities
• Provide clinical administrative leadership where relevant, build a culture of shared governance, transparency, and research success

Educational Leadership

Promote excellence and oversee the participation of department faculty in education at every level including:

• Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) – leadership in curriculum delivery and content in pathology, microbiology, and immunology in medical student training
• Graduate Programs (PhD and MS) – oversight and support for student research training, dissertation progression, funding competitiveness, faculty mentorship, and laboratory growth
• Other Graduate and Professional Programs - Oversight of teaching participation and academic engagement in nurse anesthesia (CRNA), counselling and rehabilitation, genetic counseling and physician assistant (PA) programs

Administrative Leadership

• Provide fiscal oversight and resource management for the department
• Recruit, retain, and mentor outstanding faculty, staff, and trainees
• Promote faculty advancement through tenure and promotion processes
• Represent the department at the School, University, and national leadership forums while advocating for faculty, equity, inclusion, and trainee success
• Build partnerships with clinical departments, industry, and community stakeholders
• Oversee departmental operations, including space allocation and strategic planning
• Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development
• Lead departmental development initiatives, including philanthropy, donor engagement, and investment partnership opportunities to support growth in research, training, and innovation

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY

The Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology is a vibrant basic science department at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia with a distinguished history of research excellence, innovative education, and collaborative scholarship. Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology - School of Medicine Columbia | University of South Carolina

Research Excellence

The department maintains a robust research portfolio with sustained NIH funding and national recognition. Current research strengths include:

• Cannabinoid research and inflammation: the department houses an NIH COBRE (Center of Biomedical Research Excellence) for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation
• Host-microbiota interactions: Investigating the complex relationships between immune function, gut microbiome, and disease
• Cancer immunology and cachexia: Translational studies examining immune mechanisms in cancer progression and treatment
• Mast cell biology and allergic diseases: Novel therapeutic approaches for inflammation and allergy
• Exosome therapeutics: Innovative delivery systems for cancer treatment
• Exercise immunology and metabolic disease: Understanding immune-metabolic interactions in health and disease

Educational Programs

PMI provides foundational education across multiple programs:

• Undergraduate Medical Education: The department delivers comprehensive instruction in pathology, microbiology, and immunology to medical students (M1-M4), integrating basic science concepts with clinical applications.
• Graduate Programs: The department participates in education and training of students in Biomedical Sciences (Ph.D. and M.S.), Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Counseling and Rehabilitation, Genetic Counseling and Physician Assistant programs.
• Medical Student Engagement: An active Medical Student Interest Group (MSIG) for Pathology promotes student involvement in research and career exploration, recently receiving the Margaret Grimes Medical Student Interest Group Grant.

Faculty and Collaborative Environment

The department comprises accomplished basic science and clinician-scientist faculty members with expertise spanning immunology, microbiology, pathology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and translational research. Faculty maintain collaborative relationships across multiple institutions including MUSC, Johns Hopkins, UC Irvine, and beyond.

A strong culture of mentorship and collaboration fosters success for faculty at all career stages, supported by: Women in Science and Medicine (WiSaM) Committee promoting equity and inclusion, regular networking and collaboration events, active participation in university-wide research courses and facilities, and established partnerships with clinical departments for translational research.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE COLUMBIA

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia is the state's second oldest medical school and a leader in medical education, biomedical research, and community engagement. School of Medicine Columbia - School of Medicine Columbia | University of South Carolina

Mission and Vision

The School of Medicine is committed to: educating physicians and other providers and biomedical scientists to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond; advancing biomedical knowledge through innovative research; providing excellent patient care through affiliated clinical partners; and addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Academic Programs

• Medical Education: The MD program enrolls approximately 100 students per year and emphasizes early clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community engagement. The school is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) with the next accreditation limited survey scheduled for January 2027.
• Graduate Education: Robust PhD and Master's programs in biomedical sciences attract talented students from across the nation and internationally.
• Professional Programs: The school supports multiple health professions training programs including Nurse Anesthesia, Genetic Counseling, and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Research Environment

The School of Medicine maintains a strong research infrastructure with:

• Multiple NIH-funded centers and training grants Access to state-of-the-art core facilities including imaging, genomics, and flow cytometry
• Strong institutional support for research through the Office of the Vice President for Research
• Collaborative networks including the NCI-funded MeDOC (Metabolic Dysregulation Obesity Cancer)
• Consortium Partnerships with Prisma Health, Lexington Medical Center, and the Dorn VA Medical Center

In addition, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine houses the Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) program that serves as a bridge between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications (Clintrusc). The CTR provides comprehensive support for investigators conducting translational research, offering expertise in clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, biostatistics, and research coordination. The program facilitates partnerships between basic scientists and clinical investigators, supporting the translation of innovative research findings into improved patient care. With access to biobanking, clinical research coordinators, data management systems, and regulatory support, the CTR enables faculty to advance their discoveries from bench to bedside. The center works closely with affiliated clinical partners including Prisma Health and the Dorn VA Medical Center, providing investigators with access to diverse patient populations and clinical research infrastructure essential for advancing translational science.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience

• PhD, MD/PhD, MD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant biomedical science field
• Eligibility for tenured appointment at the rank of Professor
• Strong record of externally-funded research with sustained NIH or equivalent federal funding
• Demonstrated excellence in research as evidenced by high-impact publications and national recognition
• Proven leadership experience in academic administration, research, or educational program management
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills Vision for advancing basic science research and translational applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a department chair, division chief, center director, or comparable leadership role Track record of successful faculty recruitment and mentorship
• Experience participating in or leading NIH Center grants (P01, P30, P50, U54, CTSA, CTR, COBRE) or equivalent large-scale collaborative funding
• Experience in building interdisciplinary research programs
• Strong network of collaborations at national and international levels
• Experience with medical school curriculum development and LCME accreditation processes
• Record of service to professional societies and editorial boards
• Proven ability to expand partnerships with state, national, and global research networks
• Experience promoting translation of basic science into clinical impact and population health benefit

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants should apply at the University of South Carolina online jobs posting system using the following link: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199180

Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on the University of South Carolina job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Application materials should include:

• Cover letter outlining your vision for the department and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• List of references and contact information
• Teaching statement
• Research statement