Chair of Biomedical Sciences

Classification Title Chair of Biomedical Sciences

Position Number F175P

Supervisor Name and Contact Information Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart (flpayton@xula.edu)

Department Office Of Academic Affairs

Job Summary

The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) is now accepting applications for the position of Biomedical Sciences Chair (BSC). We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide the department and serve as the inaugural Chair. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of biomedical sciences within a dynamic medical school setting, fostering academic excellence, innovative research, recruiting and developing faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education, and fostering community partnerships. The BSC will lead the department, collaborating closely with the Dean, faculty, and staff to establish a strategic vision for the Department's future.

Responsibilities

The Chair's primary responsibility is to oversee the medical school curriculum for the first two years of medical education, focusing on biomedical sciences. This leadership role encompasses administrative duties, including budgeting, personnel mentoring and management, and policy compliance, alongside research responsibilities and significant involvement in teaching and service.

In addition to overseeing research and faculty management, the Chair will shape and enhance the curriculum, fostering an innovative learning environment, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education. The Chair ensures that the department's academic and research goals align with the College's institutional mission and objectives, emphasizing educational excellence and faculty development.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a visionary leader with a successful record in medical education, medical school accreditation, and research in biomedical disciplines. Exceptional academic accomplishments are essential, as the Chair will be responsible for advancing research programs, as well as developing, supervising, teaching, and delivering the first two years of the medical school curriculum. A national reputation in medical education, along with a proven ability to mentor faculty and train future physicians, are critical for this position. The Chair must demonstrate a commitment to building an equitable and diverse environment through leadership and service. XOCOM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with individuals/students from diverse backgrounds, minimizing barriers, and increasing equity in healthcare. The Chair will report directly to the Dean of XOCOM and collaborate with the Associate Dean of Education and Academic Affairs in the development and delivery of the medical school curriculum.

Job Duties

• Collaborate with the curriculum committee to design, implement, and evaluate the biomedical science curriculum for the first two years of medical school.
• Ensure that the curriculum aligns with accreditation standards and integrates with the overall medical school mission and objectives.
• Utilize innovative teaching methodologies, including active learning and technology-enhanced instruction.
• Foster an integrated teaching program for XOCOM, working with clinical department chairs and the Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs.
• Foster a collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinary partnerships across departments and colleges.
• Recruit and retain a diverse and qualified faculty, ensuring a robust educational and research-focused department.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness and research capabilities.
• Assign administrative, teaching, research, and service roles to the faculty of the department.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty within the  department and recommends personnel actions to the Dean; oversees department review of applicants for promotion and/or tenure.

• Ensure a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students and faculty.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to regularly assess and improve student engagement, well-being, and performance.
• Promote student involvement in research activities during the foundational years of medical school.
• Support student research in the curriculum and oversees program for medical students who choose a more intensive research experience during medical school.
•  Address student concerns and feedback, working to continuously refine the curriculum and learning environment.
• Guide the development of research programs for students and projects within the biomedical science department.
• Report on the progress of curriculum implementation, faculty research, and overall departmental performance.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean of Education and Academic Affairs, other department heads, and administrative leaders to meet institutional goals.
• Encourage and support diversity within the department, creating an environment of professionalism, respect, tolerance, and acceptance.
• Encourage and support research creativity and productivity, providing recommendations on strategic research program directions and fostering intra­ and interdepartmental collaboration and integration of basic, clinical, and translational research.
• Allocate departmental resources effectively, including space, equipment, and personnel, to support teaching, research, and service activities.
• Manage department finances, and resources effectively and efficiently, in accord with XOCOM policies.
• Serve on institutional committees and task forces as needed, representing the biomedical science department.
• Represent the department and XOCOM in relevant professional societies and the broader community to:
  
  1.  Contribute to the advancement of basic science education and scholarship at the local, regional, and national levels.
  2.  Foster partnerships and collaborations that enhance education, research, and service missions.
  3.  Participate in fundraising activities to secure financial support for XOCOM and departmental initiatives, research projects, and student scholarships.
  4.  Build and maintain relationships with leaders in academia, industry, and healthcare to enhance XOCOM's and the department's reputation.

Salary and Benefits 

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications 
Required Education and Professional Experience/Skills

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a biomedical science discipline.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• At least five years of experience in medical education and curriculum development, particularly in the first two years of medical school.
• Proven leadership experience in academic administration or department management.
• Strong track record in biomedical research and funding.
• Strong track record of mentoring faculty.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative academic environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in active learning methodologies and curriculum innovation.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining research grants and managing research projects.
• Previous experience in faculty development and academic leadership within medical education.

Work Hours Full-time

Initiator Access Florastina Payton-Stewart

Posting Number F155P

Number of Vacancies Desired 1

Start Date 08/01/2025

Posting Date 01/28/2025

Application Review Date 01/28/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

How to Apply-Required Documentation:
Qualified candidates are invited to apply using Xavier's online application  site by logging in to httP-s://jobs.xula.edu. Please submit the following materials: (1) A cover letter that includes both a description of past leadership, educational experiences, and mentoring activities as well as your vision for the inaugural department of Biomedical  Sciences,  (2) a comprehensive CV, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages), (4) a research statement, and (5) contact information for at least three professional references.

Questions about the position should be directed to the committee chair, Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart (flpayton@xula.edu). The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university is especially interested in exceptionally well-qualified applicants who will contribute, through their research, teaching, and service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Screening of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Advertising Summary

The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) is now accepting applications for the position of Biomedical Sciences Chair (SSC). We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide the department and serve as the inaugural Chair. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of biomedical sciences within a dynamic medical school setting, fostering academic excellence, innovative research, recruiting and developing faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education, and fostering community partnerships. The BSC will lead the department, collaborating closely with the Dean, faculty, and staff to establish a strategic vision for the Department's future.

Responsibilities

The Chair's primary responsibility is to oversee the medical school curriculum for the first two years of medical education, focusing on biomedical sciences. This leadership role encompasses administrative duties, including budgeting, personnel mentoring and management, and policy compliance, alongside research responsibilities and significant involvement in teaching and service.

In addition to overseeing research and faculty management, the Chair will shape and enhance the curriculum, fostering an innovative learning environment, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education. The Chair ensures that the department's academic and research goals align with the College's institutional mission and objectives, emphasizing educational excellence and faculty development.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a visionary leader with a successful record in medical education, medical school accreditation, and research in biomedical disciplines. Exceptional academic accomplishments are essential, as the Chair will be responsible for advancing research programs, as well as developing, supervising, teaching, and delivering the first two years of the medical school curriculum. A national reputation in medical education, along with a proven ability to mentor faculty and train future physicians, are critical for this position. The Chair must demonstrate a commitment to building an equitable and diverse environment through leadership and service. XOCOM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with individuals/students from diverse backgrounds, minimizing barriers, and increasing equity in healthcare. The Chair will report directly to the Dean of XOCOM and collaborate with the Associate Dean of Education and Academic Affairs in the development and delivery of the medical school curriculum.

Job Duties

• Collaborate with the curriculum committee to design, implement, and evaluate the biomedical science curriculum for the first two years of medical school.
• Ensure that the curriculum aligns with accreditation standards and integrates with the overall medical school mission and objectives.
• Utilize innovative teaching methodologies, including active learning and technology-enhanced instruction.
• Foster an integrated teaching program for XOCOM, working with clinical department chairs and the Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs.
• Foster.a collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinary partnerships across departments and colleges.
• Recruit and retain a diverse and qualified faculty, ensuring a robust educational and research-focused department.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness and research capabilities.
  Assign administrative, teaching, research, and service roles to the faculty of the department.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty within the department and recommends personnel actions to the Dean; oversees department review of applicants for promotion and/or tenure.
• Ensure a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students and faculty.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to regularly assess and improve student engagement, well-being, and performance.
• Promote student involvement in research activities during the foundational years of medical school.
• Support student research in the curriculum and oversees program for medical students who choose a more intensive research experience during medical school.
• Address student concerns and feedback, working to continuously refine the curriculum and learning environment.
• Guide the development of research programs for students and projects within the biomedical science department.
• Report on the progress of curriculum implementation, faculty research, and overall departmental performance.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean of Education and Academic Affairs, other department heads, and administrative leaders to meet institutional goals.
• Encourage and support diversity within the department, creating an environment of professionalism, respect, tolerance, and acceptance.
• Encourage and support research creativity and productivity, providing recommendations on strategic research program directions and fostering intra­ and interdepartmental collaboration and integration of basic, clinical, and translational research.
• Allocate departmental resources effectively, including space, equipment, and personnel, to support teaching, research, and service activities.
• Manage department finances, and resources effectively and efficiently, in accord with XOCOM policies.
• Serve on institutional committees and task forces as needed, representing the biomedical science department.
• Represent the department and XOCOM in relevant professional societies and the broader community to:
• Contribute to the advancement of basic science education and scholarship at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations that enhance education, research, and service missions.
• Participate in fundraising activities to secure financial support for XOCOM and departmental initiatives, research projects, and student scholarships.
• Build and maintain relationships with leaders in academia, industry, and healthcare to enhance XOCOM's and the department's reputation.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Pass Message  
Thank you for your interest in this position. The screening and selection process is currently underway and will continue until a successful candidate is chosen. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted.                     

Fail Message
Thank you for your interest in this position. Based on your responses to the questions on the employment application, you do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Please do not let this discourage you from applying for other positions that interest you.

Quicklink for Posting  https://jobs.xula.edu/12ostings/3458

Post To Herc? Yes

Herc Category Academic - Medical (Clinical)

Education PhD

About Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM)

In February 2024, the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors approved the partnership to develop the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), becoming the fifth allopathic  Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the country. In pursuit of a more just and humane society, XOCOM's mission is to educate and train diverse physician leaders committed to health equity, innovation and the reimagination of healthcare to improve outcomes for all through outstanding education, clinical care and research. XOCOM's vision is to unleash the power of diversity, transform medical education, and develop compassionate physician scientists who will champion inclusivity and excellence in medicine.

Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) is a national leader in educating African American students who go on to complete medical school - a distinction the institution has held for many decades. Ochsner Health (Ochsner), Louisiana's largest, academic health system with a long track record of excellence in medical education, is committed to exceptional, patient-centered care. Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans is the tertiary and quaternary care for Louisiana and the surrounding region. As the largest physician-led clinically integrated network in the Gulf South, the Ochsner Health Network operates 46 hospitals and treats more than 1.5 million patients annually.

Xavier and Ochsner have been working together since the early 1980s. Through their ongoing partnership, Ochsner and Xavier have advanced healthcare equity through several programs, including a program for physician assistants  that has already graduated 108 students. In addition, Ochsner has 33 wide-ranging, accredited residency and fellowship programs. By creating this new medical school, XOCOM is taking a big step toward improving healthcare for all the communities they serve. Together, they will train doctors who care deeply about their patients and understand the importance of diversity and high-quality medicine.

Search Chair Florastina Payton-Stewart
Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1.  Cover Letter
2.  Transcripts
3.  Curriculum Vitae
4.  Teaching Philosophy
5.  Research Philosophy

Optional Documents
1.  Resume
2.  Letter of Recommendation
3.  Media File
4.  Portfolio
5.  Other

References
Minimum Requests 1
Maximum Requests 4

Confirmation Message To Provider    
Thank you for providing a letter of recommendation on behalf of this applicant