Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Overview

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) at McGovern Medical School, a part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), is seeking an accomplished investigator and leader to serve as its next Chair. This is an exceptional opportunity for a world‑class scientist to lead a basic science department at the Texas Medical Center. Investigators with an outstanding track record of funded research in membrane biology, structural biology, gene regulation, molecular signaling, or systems biology are encouraged to apply.

Research of BMB faculty ranges from studies of fundamental biochemical and molecular processes in cellular systems to mouse models of disease and intervention. For further details, see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Since the department’s infancy, BMB has cultivated a strong reputation in an exceptional environment for advancing molecular and translational research. The Chair will benefit from an outstanding research infrastructure, access to collaborative opportunities across the Texas Medical Center, and a strong institutional commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and career development. Comprising over 100 FTE’s, the department currently has 31 faculty members (10 full, 7 associate, 12 assistant professors, and 2 instructors) with 21 independent principal investigators.

BMB has a robust track record of securing significant grants from NIH, Welch, and the American Heart Association. This success is reflected in the substantial $10.7 million in grant funds awarded to the faculty during fiscal year 2025. In addition, BMB faculty actively contribute to the institution’s educational mission through several capacities, including teaching medical students and graduate students and mentoring postdoctoral research fellows.

The BMB Department houses multiple Centers of Excellence, such as those focused on Structural Biology Imaging, Membrane Biology, and Pulmonary Research. The BMB faculty are also members of the UT MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston. UTHealth Houston is a major institution within the Texas Medical Center. This world‑renowned biomedical complex includes UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Rice University, and more than 40 other institutions.

Faculty members in the BMB department have excellent access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a large pool of outstanding local colleagues, all within walking distance.

Potential candidates for the Chair of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology position should hold a Ph.D. in cell biology, structural biology, genetics, immunology or a related field. Excellent faculty mentoring experience, prior academic leadership experience and credentials to allow appointment as a senior‑level faculty member are required. Prior experience teaching graduate‑level programs and/or medical students is desired. The ideal candidate will have a high level of emotional intelligence, superb written and verbal communication skills and the ability to invoke a spirit of collaboration to continue to propel the department forward on achieving its mission and goals.

To learn more about the opportunity or nominate a colleague, please request a copy of the detailed position profile by contacting the search committee co‑chairs:
Carmen Dessauer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, and Kevin Morano, Ph.D., Professor, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics and Sr. Vice President for Academic and Faculty Affairs through UTHealth Houston’s Office of Executive Recruitment  or by phone at . For full consideration, please include a CV, cover letter, and statement of research.