Associate Center Director of Discovery Science

Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL seeks an Associate Center Director and Division Chief of Discovery Science to lead basic cancer science initiatives across immunology, tumor biology, metabolism, and drug discovery. The role emphasizes strategic vision, collaboration, and transformational research leadership.

The ideal candidate will have a national/international reputation, a strong record of high-impact publications, and sustained extramural funding, with prior CCSG leadership experience and

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in tumor immunology, cancer biology, molecular oncology, drug discovery or a related field.
• Senior Member/Professor rank with sustained peer-reviewed extramural funding by NIH or similar.
• Experience in CCSG leadership roles and P30 grant development/review.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Division of Discovery Science and lead Chairs and Division Administration.
• Provide scientific leadership and guidance to shared resources and CCSG programs.
• Represent the division in governance venues and foster cross-department collaboration.
• Maintain active extramurally funded research programs and mentor faculty and staff.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Mentorship

Faculty recruitment

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Strategic vision

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Moffitt Cancer Center (Moffitt), a stand-alone NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Center Director (ACD) and Division Chief of Discovery Science. This senior academic leadership role will be responsible for driving transformative research innovation in immunology, tumor biology, cancer metabolism, molecular oncology, and drug discovery. The ACD is responsible for providing strategic vision, scientific leadership, and administrative oversight for the Division across multiple disciplines within the Departments of Immunology, Metabolism and Physiology, Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, Molecular Oncology, Drug Discovery, as well as one or more future departments in the Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and expand Moffitt’s strengths in basic cancer science through interdisciplinary research and strategic growth. A primary responsibility of this role will be to foster collaborations across research and clinical faculty and to provide senior leadership in building expertise, academic departments, research infrastructure, and team science partnerships that advance innovative approaches to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This leader will have significant authority and responsibility for the academic and research mission of Moffitt, which has nationally recognized research programs in Clinical, Physical & Quantitative, Population, and Translational Sciences. The ACD serves as an institutional leader to advance Moffitt’s singular mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Position highlights include the following:

• Advance impact and visibility of Moffitt’s Discovery Science research at the local, state, national and international levels
• Further strengthen and grow exceptional basic science research programs in the existing departments
• Recruit talented faculty and staff dedicated to discovery science research, leveraging highly competitive faculty recruitment packages

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a national/international reputation in cancer-related basic science research with an exceptional track record of high impact publications and peer reviewed extramural research funding
• Be a thought leader in basic science who will anticipate and drive new research directions and opportunities
• Have exceptional leadership and mentorship skills to advance the careers of faculty, trainees, and staff
• Understand and advance catchment area needs through research

Primary responsibilities for the leadership role will include:

• Administrative and academic leadership: Oversees the Division of Discovery Science; as Division Chief, leads Chairs and Division Administration in a productive, collaborative academic research environment
• Scientific leadership: Works with other leaders to advance high impact transdisciplinary research across research and clinical departments and Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) Programs; provides guidance to Shared Resources (Cores) aligned with the Division of Discovery Science; contributes to CCSG competing and non-competing applications; and mentors Chairs, faculty, trainees, and staff
• Center-wide leadership: Serves as member of the Research Executive Committee, the Research Institute Steering Committee, the Scientific Leadership Committee, and the Leadership Council; represents the Division of Discovery Science in oversight and governance venues; ensures the Division of Discovery Science develops and sustains robust shared initiatives with the Offices of Community Outreach & Engagement, Research Education & Training, Research Career Development, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Maintains top tier research programs: Maintains active extramurally funded research programs; publishes original reports in high impact peer-reviewed journals; provides service to professional societies; and contributes to teaching and mentoring of faculty, staff, fellows, and graduate students

Credentials and qualifications for eligible candidates include:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in tumor immunology, cancer biology, molecular oncology, drug discovery or a related field
• Senior Member/Professor rank, along with a history of academic excellence and sustained peer-reviewed extramural funding by NCI or other institutes of NIH
• Previous experience in a CCSG leadership role (e.g., Program leader or another CCSG role), with experience in developing/reviewing the P30 grant as well as participation in program review
• Track record of successfully working across complex research and clinical environments

Relationships

The ACD position reports to the Cancer Center Director, Dr. John Cleveland PhD, who is an Executive Vice President and directly reports to the President and CEO, Dr. Patrick Hwu MD.

Tampa Bay Area

Moffitt Cancer Center is located in Tampa Florida, a thriving metropolitan city that provides its residents a high quality of life. The Tampa Bay area (https://www.visittampabay.com/) has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is characterized by a rich culture, year-round activities for all, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and more.

Questions regarding the opportunity may be directed to Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Eric Haura at [e-mail]

Equal Employment Opportunity

Moffitt is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. Moffitt seeks candidates whose skills and personal and professional experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.