Dean

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences

The mission of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences is bold: conducting basic research to improve health and cure disease. The research performed in Basic Sciences is centered around three interconnected pillars: discovery, innovation, and impact. The approach is distinctive. The faculty and trainees are pioneering, discovering, and leading some of the greatest advancements in history. They provide the foundational scientific discoveries essential for inter-disciplinary translational and clinical investigation. Scientific breakthroughs are catalyzed through robust platforms of cutting-edge technology and shared research cores, and pave the way for generations of innovations, and advances in biomedical research.

The University seeks a Dean who is able to capitalize on the unique strengths of the institution and will be ambitious for what it is yet to achieve. It is both an exciting and uniquely compelling opportunity that will allow the right leader to make a significant impact in the field of Basic Science. With a foundation of long-standing historical strengths, top programs for training and mentoring graduate students, four highly ranked departments, a solid financial structure with unique and stable funds flow, proximity to a world class medical center, state of the art technology, and a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research and discovery, the next Dean will have a compelling vision and unrelenting commitment to take the institution to national and international prominence in the field of Basic Sciences.

Reporting to Vanderbilt University’s Provost, the Dean of Basic Sciences (Dean) is the academic, administrative, and community leader of the School and a key member of the University’s leadership team. The Dean will have the vision for the future of Basic Sciences, set the strategic direction, and have the scientific and administrative heft to turn the vision into reality. The Dean leads through wisdom and innovation, with effective management of school and department resources, and by leveraging the assets of the University. The Dean will work collaboratively with senior leadership at VU, the deans of various colleges and schools, and senior leadership in VUMC to promote interdisciplinary initiatives and outcomes. Encouraging a culture of collegiality, integrity, and professionalism to enhance an environment of trust, teamwork, equity, and accountability, as well as personal behavior that fosters innovation and excellence for all constituencies, are key priorities for the next Dean.

The Dean must be a distinguished and highly regarded scientist with an outstanding track record of research and scholarship, an energetic and intentional administrator, a strong advocate for the University’s teaching and research missions, and an exceptional university citizen. The successful candidate must possess the scientific vision and requisite leadership skills to lead Basic Sciences.

THE SEARCH PROCESS

The Vanderbilt Dean of Basic Sciences search committee has retained Spencer Stuart to assist in this recruitment. The search committee welcomes you to submit application materials or to nominate someone to serve as the Dean of Basic Sciences by sending an email to: Vandybasicsciences@spencerstuart.com. Applications should include a CV plus a cover letter addressing the experience and capabilities above.