Professor and Vice Chair/Director of Research, Department of Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute seeks a Vice Chair of Research. Columbia Psychiatry is an internationally recognized leader in mental health research that uniquely partners resources from the New York State Psychiatric Institute with Columbia University and its affiliate New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The Columbia Psychiatry research portfolio is broad, ranging from studies of molecular mechanisms and brain circuitry to clinical trials testing novel treatments, to implementation studies that optimize methods for improving mental health care in the community. The overall goals of the Columbia Psychiatry scientific program are to discover how the brain works, what causes human behavior in all its dimensions, to develop new treatments to alleviate suffering, and to foster the development of effective tools that promote proven treatments for mental illness.

The Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Psychiatry will provide strategic leadership and oversee research activities within the department. This is an opportunity to lead a large department with 250 research faculty in basic, translational, and clinical sciences across both New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The Vice Chair of Research is responsible for advancing the research mission of the department, promoting excellence in psychiatric research, and fostering collaborative partnerships to address critical mental health challenges. The Vice Chair of Research will work closely with the Department Chair, faculty, and other research staff to develop and implement research initiatives that contribute to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership
   
   
   
   • Provide visionary leadership to identify research priorities aligned with the department's mission and goals.
   • Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to enhance the research profile and impact of the Department of Psychiatry.
   • Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships to address complex mental health issues through innovative research approaches and opportunities.
   
   
   
   
2. Research Administration
   
   
   
   • Oversee research administration processes, grant submission processes, and management teams.
   • Be knowledgeable of regulatory aspects of conducting research to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies by hiring, supervising and coordinating regulatory teams, as appropriate.
   • Work with the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at New York State Psychiatric Institute to develop and ensure that all research staff have access to and comply with federal, state and institutional research policies.
   • Provide guidance and support to faculty and researchers to navigate funding opportunities to develop competitive grant proposals.
   • Monitor and ensure the efficient and fair allocation and utilization of research resources to support departmental research activities.
   
   
   
   
3. Faculty Support and Development:
   
   
   
   • Promote a culture of research integrity, ethical conduct, and scientific rigor among faculty members and research staff.
   • Provide mentorship and support to faculty members in developing and advancing their research agendas in psychiatric research.
   • Meet regularly with researchers to better understand factors that impede their ability to conduct their research and problem solve needed solutions.
   • Facilitate professional development opportunities, workshops, and seminars to enhance research skills and promote scholarly excellence.
   
   
   
   

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse community members.
• Evidence of commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research activities while fostering a supportive research environment.
• Substantial experience and expertise in psychiatric research, including research administration and grant management.
• Clear expertise in administrating complex teams with noted successes in setting and achieving goals with the team.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders, treatments, and interventions, as well as emerging trends and advancements in the field.

The search committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Columbia University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, underrepresented minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Please send a cover letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, a leadership vision for the Department and a scientific vision statement that includes current and future research interests. Applicants are encouraged to describe in their letter of intent how their scholarship contributes to building and supporting diverse communities.

All applications must be submitted via Interfolio.