Director, Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine

The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) is seeking applications and nominations for an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to assume the role of Director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine (CBSSM or Center). CBSSM draws together clinicians, social scientists, and bioethicists, among others, dedicated to advancing individual and societal health through rigorous scholarship and meaningful service. The next director will have the opportunity to raise the Center’s profile and amplify its impact by fostering new partnerships, elevating the output of translational bioethics and social science research, and creating innovative programs and visionary initiatives informed by the needs of patients, research participants, colleagues, and learners.

UMMS is one of the nation’s premier research-oriented medical schools, and part of one of the country’s leading public universities. UMMS’s $777 million in annual research awards for FY23 includes $482.8 million in NIH awards. Michigan Medicine (MM) is home to one of the largest healthcare complexes in Michigan. It is comprised of UMMS, the UM Health System, and the Michigan Health Corporation. MM serves the tripartite mission of patient care, research, and education under a unified leadership structure.  

CBSSM, located within UMMS, employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining empirical bioethics and decision sciences expertise. As a matrixed center with 50-affiliated faculty, 13 staff, and two postdoctoral fellows, CBSSM oversees a robust research effort, educational programs including an ethics pathway for medical students and pre and postdoctoral fellowship programs, as well as clinical and research ethics services. CBSSM’s prolific researchers focus on social science, bioethics, and policy integration. CBSSM facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and research assistant support to generate impactful scholarship. CBSSM's work is distinguished by its policy relevance and integration of faculty scholarship with institutional policy roles, earning national recognition and prestigious awards like the 2022 American Society for Bioethics & Humanities Cornerstone Award.

The successful candidate will embody inclusive leadership qualities, have national recognition and scholarly distinction in bioethics and/or social science-oriented health research, and have a record for sustained extramural funding. The successful candidate will also foster collaboration among key constituents and will seek new opportunities for partnership and alignment. They will promote diversity of thought and implement practical approaches to enhance teamwork and individual well-being. Candidates must have an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent terminal degree and a record commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. Demonstrated experience leading teams, ideally with significant administrative oversight, is expected. This position can be structured as a .2-.5 FTE role and requires an impactful on-campus presence while providing flexibility for remote work.

Please direct all inquiries, nominations, and applications (which should include a CV and letter of interest) electronically below. All replies will be held in strict confidence.

Jamie Sands is leading this search with Erin Schwass.

Michigan Medicine seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintaining the excellence of the University. We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching, and clinical mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.  The University of Michigan is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.