Director Center Drug and Alcohol Research; CDAR – University of Kentucky

Director of the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR)

University of Kentucky College of Medicine invites applications for a director to lead its dynamic Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR).

CDAR conducts multidisciplinary research on the biological, psychological, sociological, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of substance use disorders and related behaviors. The center engages faculty, staff, and trainees in grant‑funded studies, community partnerships, and training programs.

• Provide scientific and administrative leadership for CDAR, fostering high‑quality research, mentoring, and collaboration.
• Guide the center’s research portfolio, encouraging external funding and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Support a positive and productive environment for faculty, staff, and trainees, promoting mentorship and professional development.
• Maintain and expand institutional and external partnerships, including philanthropic support and national reputation building.
• Manage center resources, space, and budgets to ensure effective, transparent, and productive utilization.
• Represent and communicate the needs and priorities of the center to the College of Medicine, institutional leadership, and the broader community.
• Implement national and international outreach, professional society engagement, and development of complex center grants.

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in behavioral sciences, public health, social sciences, health services research, or related fields.
• Eligibility for appointment at associate or full professor rank.
• Proven track record of extramural funding, peer‑reviewed publications, and leadership in substance use research.
• Demonstrated leadership in administrative positions such as department chair, director, vice chair, or director of graduate studies.
• Commitment to mentorship,