Associate Dean Research And Graduate Studies - School Of Optometry

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies - School of Optometry

Office

Location:

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – 1201 W. University Drive, MASS Building 2nd Floor, Edinburg, TX 78539

• Posting Number: SRGV
  8859
• Working Title:
  
  Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies – School of Optometry
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• FTE: 1.0
• FLSA:
  Exempt
• Position Available Date: 06/01/2026
• Employment Category:
  Full-Time
• Minimum Salary:
  Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience
• Grant Funded Position:
  No

• Oversee and guide all research functions at UTRGV School of Optometry.
• Design, develop, manage, and provide oversight of graduate education, including supporting student‑led research.
• Provide guidance on research and monitor compliance; develop research policies and procedures that complement school goals.
• Implement and execute the research program.
• Assume the responsibilities of the Dean in the absence of the Dean and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Assist in recruitment, retention and development of faculty members.
• Deliver administrative guidance to faculty clinical committees regarding research and scholarly activities.
• Prepare data regarding the school’s research program for accreditation agencies and the Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
• Serve as liaison to research‑related committees locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to integrate the didactic and clinical programs.
• Provide oversight of research budgetary requests, conduct daily budget review, and ensure fiscal responsibility with the School Administrator.
• Serve on the Dean’s Cabinet, providing executive input on the direction of the School of Optometry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Vision Science or related field.

• Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) from an ACOE‑accredited institution or a clinical equivalent.

• Five (5) years of demonstrated health professional school and/or academic leadership experience in higher education, with a preference for research leadership.
• Solid understanding of the profession of Optometry and Vision Science and their role in research.
• Comprehensive administrative skills, including attention to detail, communication, supervision, and fiscal responsibility.
• Experience in collaborative research projects.
• Expertise in higher education teaching background.
• Record of grant funding.
• Track record of consistent research publications.

• None.

None.

Use of standard office equipment.

Work performed in a general office and research environment; some travel and weekend work required. UTRGV is a distributed institution and may require presence at multiple locations across the Rio Grande Valley.

• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non‑discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment.

We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

• Curriculum Vitae

• Resume
• Cover Letter / Letter of Application
• Teaching Philosophy
• Writing / Publication Sample
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Reference Letter 1
• Reference Letter 2
• Reference Letter 3
• Certifications and Licenses
• Training Certificates
• Other Document
• List of 3 References
• Unofficial Transcripts 2
• Unofficial Transcripts 3
• Letter of Interest
• Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
• Research Statement
• Additional Document
• NCCPA Certification
• State Licensure
• Representative Research Publication / Grant Documents