Professor and Director Center Radiation Research

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) is seeking a new Director of the Center for Radiation Research (CRR). This key leadership role will oversee and drive the development, implementation and management of radiation research initiatives within VP&S, as well as in the Department of Radiation Oncology, where it will be administratively based. The Center will serve as the translational "bench" research hub for the Department and the Director will report to the Department Chair.

The Center Director will play an important role in VP&S scientific leadership, participating in the VP&S Scientific Council of Center and Institute Directors, the Herbert Irving Cancer Center leadership team, and in key University programmatic initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to be a world-class radiation scientist with a history of pioneering research accomplishments, leadership experience and a proven track record in identifying outstanding young researchers and fostering their careers.

The Center is located at two campuses - CUIMC and at the Columbia University Nevis Laboratories in Westchester County. The latter houses the CRR's Radiation Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), the only accelerator facility in the United States dedicated to the pre-clinical study of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation. Major programs include pre-clinical research into heavy-ion charged particle and FLASH radiotherapy;

understanding the biological effects of very low doses of radiation including radiation risks associated with CT scans, space radiation and nuclear power/events, and a new research portfolio leveraging far ultraviolet (far-UVC) light as a tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases. Candidates who are leaders in these or other areas of radiation biology, including DNA repair, radiation radiosensitizers and radio-immune modulation, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The CRR currently has a total staff of 41, including 10 PhD faculty, 3 of whom are tenured, and has been internationally recognized as the premier radiation research program.

Provide strategic direction and leadership for the radiation research program, aligning objectives with the Department and institutional goals and priorities.

Oversee all aspects of radiation research activities including project planning, execution and evaluation in close collaboration with the Department Chair.

Manage human, financial and physical resources effectively to support the success of radiation research endeavors in collaboration with the Department Administrator and Chair.

Foster collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including faculty, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and funding agencies.

Provide mentorship and support to faculty members engaged in radiation research, facilitating their professional growth and development.

Assist faculty members in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals to secure external research funding.

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, ethical standards and institutional policies governing radiation research.

Contribute to the education and training of students, residents, fellows and other trainees in radiation research methodologies and practices.

Implement quality assurance measures to uphold the integrity, accuracy and validity of radiation research findings.

Serve as a spokesperson for the radiation research program, promoting its achievements and impact through publications, presentations and other communication channels.

Applicants should have a PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent degree, substantial national and international stature and expertise in managing large-scale research programs. The candidate is expected to provide leadership for the Center for Radiation Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology and articulate a vision for its continued growth, supported with a firm commitment to the recruitment of…