Vice Chair of Research - USU​/WRNMMC Department of Surgery

Join the HJF Team!

The

The Vice Chair for Research serves as the senior scientific leader for the joint Uniformed Services University/Walter Reed Navy Military Medical Center (USU-WRNMMC) Department of Surgery and is responsible for developing, advancing, and overseeing the department's research enterprise. This position provides strategic direction for basic, translational, clinical, and military-relevant surgical research programs while fostering a collaborative and productive research environment among faculty, trainees, and staff.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners.

HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Department of Surgery research program that aligns with departmental, institutional, DoD, and military medicine priorities.
• Lead and oversee the Department of Surgery research portfolio, including basic science, translational, and applied research initiatives.
• Direct the Department of Surgery Core Research Laboratory, including operational oversight, resource allocation, laboratory development, and implementation of best practices.
• Establish and maintain an independent, externally funded research program as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator.
• Identify, pursue, and expand extramural funding opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, industry partners, and other sponsors.
• Mentor junior and mid-career research faculty, fellows, residents, and students in research design, grant development, career progression, and scientific writing.
• Provide scientific consultation and constructive feedback to faculty regarding research concepts, study design, methodology, data interpretation, and dissemination strategies.
• Lead internal review processes for grant applications, proposal packages, scientific presentations, and manuscripts prior to submission.
• Support investigators in troubleshooting scientific, operational, regulatory, and administrative challenges affecting research programs.
• Foster multidisciplinary collaborations across departments, military treatment facilities, federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, integrity, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support development of departmental research metrics and evaluate program performance, productivity, and outcomes.
• Oversee research personnel within the Department of Surgery research enterprise, including faculty, research scientists, technical staff, and trainees.
• Represent the Department of Surgery in institutional, governmental, academic, and professional research forums.
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present research at national and international scientific meetings.
• Serve as a thought leader in areas relevant to surgery, trauma, critical care, regenerative medicine, combat casualty care, or other military medicine research priorities.
• Collaborate with departmental leadership to establish long-term research growth strategies and recruit high-performing research faculty.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Department of Surgery mission.

• Direct Supervisor:
  Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

• PhD in a biomedical, biological, health sciences, engineering, or related scientific field required; OR MD/PhD from an accredited institution with demonstrated accomplishments in biomedical research.
• More than 10 years of experience required.

• Recognized expertise in surgical, trauma, critical care, regenerative medicine, biomedical, or related translational research.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in respected scientific journals.
• Strong understanding of research administration, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and human and/or animal research oversight.
• Exceptional grant-writing, scientific writing, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate research programs and provide expert scientific guidance across diverse disciplines.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive research teams and foster collaborative research culture.
• Ability to…