Chair, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

The Keck School of Medicine (KSOM) at the University of Southern California (USC) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI). The Chair will join a top-tier medical school with a legacy of educational innovation and community-based clinical care at an exciting time as USC continues making strides towards doubling its research enterprise while scaling its health system. Immune health lies at the heart of health, serving as a foundational component of many KSOM priority areas. This role will lead and further catalyze scientific collaborations across basic, translational, and clinical research activities across KSOM and USC, positioning the department to be a top national leader in immunology, virology, microbiology, cancer, inflammation, autoimmune and infectious diseases, as well as immune-related therapies. 

With new leadership at KSOM and a presidential initiative focused on transforming health sciences and growing biomedical research across the enterprise, this is an exciting time to join the institution and oversee efforts aimed at maximizing the potential in immunology and translational immunobiology. Reporting to the Dean of KSOM, Dr. Carolyn Meltzer, the Chair will oversee close to 30 faculty and staff members, and be responsible for providing visions and strategic directions for the department, growing and supporting cross-unit research collaborations and NIH grants among faculty, partnering with clinical departments to enable clinical translation and applications, and bringing together talented scientists and physicians from across the institution. Leveraging strong assets from KSOM such as the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, the MMI Chair will provide visionary leadership in connecting and collaborating with leaders in these disciplines. A strategic long-term goal for the department includes the creation of an immunology research center, in addition to re-establishing the department to be a top nationally recognized department. To be successful, the Chair will address a number of key opportunities and challenges, listed below:

• Revitalize the department, and elevate its presence and impact within KSOM and beyond
• Forge ties with key scientific partners at KSOM and grow research collaborations 
• Strategically recruit, retain, develop, and mentor faculty and staff 
• Strengthen and develop funding opportunities to help MMI achieve its many ambitions
• Foster and ensure a culture of trust, collaboration, productivity, accountability, and transparency

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, as well as application packets (CV and cover letter) should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is required. 

David Bellshaw is leading this search with Silvia Cheng. 

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu.