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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 Division’s research strategy by identifying strategic growth opportunities and fostering collaboration between Division faculty and the various stakeholders across The Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (Massey). To enable the Division’s high-impact 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.

This leadership position within the Division of Hematology Oncology and Palliative Care provides direction for the Division’s clinical and translational research initiatives. Committed to the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s (Massey) mission to reduce the state cancer burden for all Virginians, this position will collaborate with Massey colleagues to address the confluence between biological, social, and policy drivers through high-impact, cutting-edge research; person-centered care across the continuum, from prevention through survivorship; community integration; and training the next generation of community-centric researchers and health care professionals.

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 in to the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the region utilizing intra and extramural partnerships. This position will be expected to establish extramural partnerships with the ultimate goal of offering the most innovative drugs to patients at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center before they are standard of care. This position will be expected to develop, initiate, and manage investigator-initiated trials in collaboration with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s laboratory investigators.  Efforts to obtain funding for your research in areas of focus consistent with the mission of the School of Medicine, Department, and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center must be demonstrated. In addition, reasonable scholarly activities, such as publications, presentations at national meetings and participation in appropriate academic organizations, are expected as well as active participation as a scientific member of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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 Massey’s goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with the Chair of the Division of Hematology Oncology & Palliative Care to set research priorities and long-term goals for the Division. Act as a key advisor in decision-making related to clinical research and coordinating that with the research strategy of Massey. 

Clinical Research Oversight: 

• Oversee all aspects of clinical research activities within the Division. This includes, but is not limited to, research productivity of Division members; assistance with development of investigator-initiated trials (IIT); mentorship to junior faculty within the Division; evaluation of trial portfolio.
• Collaborate with the Massey Associate Director for Clinical Research (ADCR) to ensure alignment with research strategy.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director for the Massey Clinical Trials Office (CTO) to communicate areas of weakness and identify process-improvement opportunities and solicit feedback on investigator engagement and opportunities to increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Cancer Service Line (CSL) 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 patient-centric approach to research.

Faculty Leadership and Development: 

• Engage Division faculty and foster a research culture of learning and curiosity; promote professional growth opportunities (i.e., committee participation, NCI NCTN conference attendance). Monitor clinical trial accrual and communicate progress towards Divisional goals/expectations.
• Participate in Massey’s clinical research bootcamp series by contributing to curriculum development, presenting relevant topics, and mentoring junior faculty.
• Serve as a mentor for junior faculty; serve on protocol development committees to ensure timely and well written IIT. Support disease working group (DWG) 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 Massey’s 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.

Investigator-Initiated Trial Management, Data Analysis, and Publication: 

• Assist PIs of investigator-initiated trials in the execution of both Sponsor and Investigator responsibilities.
• Promote the Division's visibility and reputation by targeting publication in high-impact journals.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree 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 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, productive collaborations and partnerships
• 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

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Trey Ashman
Contact Email: ashmang@vcu.edu

Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.