Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial and growth-minded leader to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Population Health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chair will develop, articulate and operationalize a compelling vision and strategy for the Department of Epidemiology’s future and play an important role in informing the strategic growth and direction of the School of Population Health.
The Department of Epidemiology integrates research, education and public health service to better understand health and illness and improve community health. Faculty in the department collaborate with researchers throughout the school and across VCU to explore the intersections of behavior and physiology, to understand the social determinants of health, and, ultimately, to improve health outcomes. The department couples research and public health service with a strong focus on education and training, offering a MPH, PhD in Epidemiology, and dual-degree programs with VCU’s schools of Medicine, Social Work and Pharmacy.
VCU has a longstanding commitment to public health education, research and service. Launched in 1996, the university’s longstanding Master of Public Health program was the first to earn CEPH accreditation in Virginia. In April 2023, VCU brought together the departments of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Behavior and Policy to establish a standalone School of Population Health with a mission to advance health and health equity in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The new school will play an important role in addressing the public health workforce shortage in Virginia as it prepares the next generation of public health professionals, scholars and leaders. As of April 2024, the school is officially on the path to recognition as a CEPH-accredited school of public health.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public R1 institution offering comprehensive undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and professional programs and encompassing one of the largest academic health centers in the nation. Designated a Community Engaged Institution by the Carnegie Foundation, VCU’s institutes and centers of excellence support the university’s research mission and involve faculty from across the arts, public policy, biotechnology and health sciences.
VCU seeks a Chair who can steward the strategic growth of the Department of Epidemiology, drawing on prior experience in academic administration, a commitment to faculty and professional development, and an authentic commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The successful candidate will have a proven record of scholarship and extramural research funding. A PhD in epidemiology or a related discipline is required along with qualifications for appointment as a tenured full professor in the Department of Epidemiology. To learn more, download the comprehensive leadership profile here.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV and letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Virginia Commonwealth University in this search. Candidates will be considered until an appointment is made. Application materials can be submitted via WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Philip Tang and Sarah Seavey at VCUEpiChair@wittkieffer.com.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.
