"Graduate Program Director for Anatomical Sciences Doctoral Program"

Position Details:

The Graduate Program Director for the Anatomical Sciences Doctoral Program serves as the academic and administrative leader for the program, reporting directly to the Division Chief for Biomedical Sciences. The Director also collaborates closely with the Vice Dean for Faculty of Graduate Programs to ensure alignment with university-wide graduate policies, procedures, and curricular approval processes.

In this leadership role, the Program Director oversees the Burnett School of Medicine’s PhD in Anatomical Sciences, an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to develop highly qualified scholars and innovators in the anatomical sciences. The program offers two distinct pathways—Anatomical Science Education and Anatomical Science Technology and Innovation—allowing students to tailor their training after completing the core curriculum.

The Graduate Program Director plays a vital role in shaping and advancing the program’s academic vision. They guide the development and continuous improvement of the curriculum to uphold rigorous academic standards, foster critical thinking, and promote mastery in analysis, synthesis, and application of specialized knowledge. Through this leadership, the Director ensures that graduates are fully prepared for impactful careers in academic teaching, applied research, scholarship, and industry innovation.

Duties and Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of the PhD in Anatomical Sciences curriculum.
• Promote the quality and currency of the curriculum, learning resources, and learning opportunities.
• Guide the course and program assessment processes, including review and approval by university curriculum committees and accreditation by external agencies.
• Recruit students into the program.
• Responsible for admission review and acceptance of students into the program following program/department policies. Regularly review retention, progression, and graduation of students according to defined university, department, and program requirements.
• Coordinate the development, revision, and dissemination of program policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with those of the department, college, and university.
• Coordinate with the department chair/division chief to recruit and mentor faculty into the program.
• Coordinate the advisement process for or directly advise students regarding curricular progression, program and university policies and procedures, and career options.
• Oversee maintenance of program documents, records, and web sites for currency and accuracy.
• Provide program expertise to marketing and university admissions for promoting the program and recruiting students.
• In coordination with the Associate Dean for Research the position is responsible for actively pursuing and securing extramural funding to support research, scholarly, and programmatic activities.
• Fulfill other duties associated with individual graduate programs which may include:
  • Establishing and monitoring internship contracts and placements.
  • Mentoring program faculty.
  • Conducting advisory board meetings.
  • Overseeing program awards and recognitions.
  • Overseeing program related grants.
  • Establishing community collaborations.
• Additional responsibilities may be added by the department chairperson/division chief with the approval of the college dean.

Required Education and Experience:

• PhD in anatomical sciences or related biomedical sciences.
• Experience with teaching graduate students, scholarship, and graduate program management.
• Track record of research in the Anatomical Sciences.
• Must qualify for Associate Professor rank or above at the Burnett School of Medicine.
• Eligible for Core Graduate Faculty Status with the Burnett School of Medicine.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and related biomedical disciplines.
• Awareness of current trends, research, and educational best practices in anatomical sciences education.
• Ability to apply data-informed program management principles - understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting related to program evaluation and accreditation.
• Ability to serve as the program’s public and academic face to internal and external audiences, including executive leadership, accrediting bodies, boards, and professional organizations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data collection and analysis software.
• Competence in managing multiple academic projects, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining records and compliance documentation.
• Ability to adapt to change and respond to evolving educational standards, technological advances, and institutional priorities.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily indoors and sedentary, with flexibility in scheduling to accommodate researchers and student needs.
• No harmful environmental conditions are associated with this position.
• The role may require occasional evening or weekend availability for programs or events.