Unit
School of Medicine
Department
Internal Medicine
Mission or Goal of Unit
Pursue the research, clinical, and education missions of the academic medical center in the areas of hematology, oncology, and palliative care. Through bench research, clinical trials and the rigorous study of prevention and control, our scientists pursue the many roles of medicine in treating, preventing and controlling the adverse effects of cancer. Our hallmark activity is translational research, where our physicians and scientists work to bring laboratory discoveries to the patient bedside as quickly and safely as possible. Through our training programs, our faculty train the next generation of scientists and physicians to further advance science and practice.
Chief Purpose of this position
The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care is seeking a Vice Chair for Clinical Research who will be responsible for leading, building, and advancing clinical research efforts within the Division. This position is instrumental in shaping the Divisionโs research strategy by identifying strategic growth opportunities and fostering collaboration between Division faculty and the various stakeholders across The Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. To enable the Divisionโs highโimpact contributions, this position will liaise with research leadership within the School of Medicine as well as VCU institutional research leadership in addition to working closely with Massey leadership, the Clinical Trials Office (CTO), researchers, clinicians, and external partners.
Duties & Responsibilities Teaching
Trains medical students, residents and fellows in the lab and while in the clinic. Expected to actively participate in providing clinical research opportunities to fellows.
Research
This position will be responsible for bringing the most innovative clinical trials into the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the region utilizing intra and extramural partnerships. It will establish extramural partnerships with the ultimate goal of offering the most innovative drugs to patients at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center before they become standard of care. It will develop, initiate, and manage investigatorโinitiated trials in collaboration with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Centerโs laboratory investigators. Efforts to obtain funding for research in areas of focus consistent with the mission of the School of Medicine, Department, and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center must be demonstrated. Publications, presentations at national meetings, and participation in appropriate academic organizations are expected.
Clinical
Attends on the inpatient wards and consult service, and/or sees patients in the outpatient clinic.
Administrative
Vice Chair
Strategic Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership in the development and execution of clinical research strategies that align with the Division and Masseyโs goals and objectives.
- Collaborate with the Chair of the Division of Hematology Oncology & Palliative Care to set research priorities and longโterm goals for the Division. Act as a key advisor in decisionโmaking related to clinical research and coordinate that with the research strategy of Massey.
Clinical Research Oversight
- Oversee all aspects of clinical research activities within the Division.
- Assist with development of investigatorโinitiated trials and mentor junior faculty.
- Collaborate with the Massey Associate Director for Clinical Research and the Medical Director for the Massey Clinical Trials Office to identify processโimprovement opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Cancer Service Line leadership team regarding clinical operations barriers and opportunities to enhance clinical trial accrual.
- Ensure that clinical trials are conducted with the highest ethical and scientific standards.
- Foster a culture of excellence in clinical research and promote a patientโcentric approach to research.
Faculty Leadership and Development
- Engage Division faculty and foster a research culture of learning and curiosity; promote professional growth opportunities.
- Monitor clinical trial accrual and communicate progress toward divisional goals.
- Contribute to the Massey clinical research bootcamp series by developing curriculum, presenting relevant topics, and mentoring junior faculty.
- Serve as a mentor for junior faculty; serve on protocol development committees to ensure timely and wellโwritten IIT. Support disease working group leaders within the Division by assisting with ongoing evaluation of DWG portfolios and providing recommendations to ensure target productivity goals are met.
Collaboration and Partnership
- Establish and maintain collaborations with national and international research organizations, industry partners, and academic institutions.
- Facilitate engagement of Division faculty with Masseyโs Cancer Center Support Grant research programs and other focused interest groups.
- Communicate Massey-sponsored research events and encourage faculty attendance.
- Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support divisional research initiatives.
InvestigatorโInitiated Trial Management, Data Analysis, and Publication
- Assist PIs of investigatorโinitiated trials in the execution of both sponsor and investigator responsibilities.
- Promote the Division's visibility and reputation by targeting publication in highโimpact journals.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
- MD or DO with board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology, experience at the associate or full professor level.
- Substantial experience in clinical research as a clinical investigator, with a proven track record of designing and conducting clinical trials and a successful rate of manuscripts accepted for publication.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead and mentor research teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain successful collaborations.
- Unwavering commitment to the compliant, ethical conduct of research with participants reflective of the communities served by Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior involvement in clinical trial operations as a medical director.
Salary Range
Commensurate.
Benefits
All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt.
Restricted Position
No.
ORP Eligible
Yes.
Rank
Open.
Tenure
Open.
Months
12 months.