Program Leader, Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program

The Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center (HMNCC) is seeking applicants for a senior leadership and faculty position in its Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program. The HMNCC has a distinguished research and clinical enterprise impacting the lives of patients within its catchment area. Under the leadership of Jenny C. Chang, MD, the Cancer Center is on the trajectory of scientific growth while actively pursuing National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. The Cancer Center is nationally recognized for its distinct research capabilities focused on breast cancer, immunotherapies, and using nanotechnologies to improve cancer therapeutics.
The Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program seeks to identify, understand, and mitigate factors that contribute to cancer risk and to develop and evaluate new strategies for early cancer detection, including novel biomarkers. The Program Leader (PL) for the Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) Research Program is expected to provide scientific leadership in the development of cancer prevention and control efforts and conduct novel, epidemiologic and translational research that aligns with the CPC program vision and the HMNCC strategic plan.
The CPC program is responsible for conducting research that alleviates the cancer burden across the HMNCC 8-county catchment area, with an emphasis on reducing cancer disparities, particularly for five priority cancers of the HMNCC: breast, prostate, lung, liver, and hematological malignancies.
The PL will lead the development of an innovative research portfolio that addresses the full spectrum of prevention and control research informed by the following 3 CPC programmatic aims:

1. Innovations in Detection. Develop innovative strategies for early cancer detection through identification of novel biomarkers and implementation of cancer control measures.
2. Precision Prevention. Develop chemoprevention interventions and novel vaccines for cancer prevention targeting high-risk individuals who would benefit from precision prevention interventions.
3. Tailored Treatment and Survivorship Care. Develop and evaluate cancer care delivery and survivorship strategies from diagnosis to end of life to optimize cancer care and outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
As a part of the HMNCC Program Leaders (PL) team, the PL will support the Associate Director of Cancer Control and Population Sciences to provide support for all scientific, policy, and programmatic issues relating to the CPC program. Specifically, the PL should contribute and possess:
• Advanced expertise in cancer research design & methodology.
• An ability to identify research gaps and anticipate new research directions and opportunities.
• Dedicated efforts to addressing cancer disparities across the cancer continuum.
• Translational cancer research expertise in at least one of the following areas: biostatistics/bioinformatics, environmental epidemiology, behavioral epidemiology, genetics/epigenetics, immunology, biomarker and/or drug development, and health services research.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with a transdisciplinary team, with exceptional mentorship skills to advance careers of early career faculty, trainees, and staff.
• Ability to foster awareness and support of cancer center initiatives to support inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and cancer health equity efforts throughout the institution.
• Ability to help establish CPC program priorities, including increasing CPC membership through strategic faculty recruitment, and increasing the effectiveness, impact and reach of the CPC program efforts.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Successful applicants must have:
• Professional degree (PhD, MD, DrPH, or ScD) in a discipline related to cancer epidemiology, cancer population sciences, environmental epidemiology, health services research, and/or behavioral sciences.
• Established track record of peer-reviewed extramural research funding, publications in high impact professional journals, and national/international reputation as evidenced by service on national, regional, and local organizations and societies.
• Outstanding record of collaborative cancer research-related activities.
• Record of participation in educational programs and mentorship.
• Faculty ranking of Associate or Full Professor.

COMMUNITY:
Houston is a vibrant city comprised of diverse communities that reflect global influences, who enjoy a great variety of cultural amenities, world-class restaurants and an affordable cost of living. Houston Methodist is based in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the U.S. — just a short walk from the city’s museum and arts district, zoo and midtown attractions, and a few miles from Houston’s downtown and sports arenas.

PROCEDURE AND CANDIDACY:
Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae with funding and research interests; along with a cover letter highlighting accomplishments and research interests. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to [email protected].