Associate Dean Research And Graduate Studies - School Of Optometry

Position: ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (ADR) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Optometry has an essential role in the school and is responsible for overseeing all research operations to include faculty and student research and graduate program. This position is integral to the establishment and management of the optometry program's research and scholarly endeavors.

The ADR will help establish a research program designed to focus on clinical and translational research for faculty and students. The ADR will develop and monitor research operations, policy, compliance, and the graduate program. The ADR will work closely with the Dean of School of Optometry and the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations in developing the mission, goals and objectives of the school, as they relate to research.

In addition, they will work with the entire executive team of the UTRGV School of Optometry in developing policies and procedures for the school. The ADR will also be the liaison to the UTRGV Division of Research and foster collaborations within the university.

Description of Duties

* Oversees and guides all research functions at UTRGV School of Optometry.

* Designs, develops, manages, and provides oversight of graduate education, including supporting student-led research.

* Provides guidance on research and monitor compliance. Develops research policies and procedures that complement the mission, goals, and objectives of the UTRGV School of Optometry and UTRGV.

* Implements and executes the research program.

* Assumes the responsibilities of the Dean in the absence of the Dean of School of Optometry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for School of Optometry.

* Assists in recruitment, retention and development of faculty members.

* Delivers administrative guidance to faculty clinical committees with regards to research and scholarly activities.

* Prepares data regarding the school's research program to accreditation agencies and the Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry.

* Serves as liaison to research related committees locally, regionally, and nationally.

* Works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to help with the integration of the didactic and clinical programs.

* Provides oversight of research budgetary requests and daily budget review and work closely with the School Administrator to ensure fiscal responsibility of the research.

* The Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies will be assigned classroom teaching duties duties on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry.

* The ADR will serve on the Dean's Cabinet providing executive input on the direction of the School of Optometry.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in a Vision Science or related field.

Preferred Education

Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from an ACOE-accredited institution or a clinical equivalent.

Licenses/Certifications

None.

Required Experience

* Five (5) years of demonstrated health professional school and/or academic leadership experience in higher education, with a preference for leadership experience in research.

* Solid understanding of the profession of Optometry and the discipline of Vision Science and their role in research.

* Comprehensive administrative skills including attention to detail, communication, supervision, and fiscal responsibility.

* Experience in collaborative research projects.

* Expertise in higher education teaching and background.

* Record of grant funding.

* Track record of consistent research publications.

Preferred Experience

None.

Equipment

Use of standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Work is performed in a general office and research environment. Some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other

Exceptional planning and organizational skills.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category Full-Time Minimum Salary Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience Position Available Date 06/01/2026 Grant Funded Position No If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date