Director, University of Arizona Cancer Center (MD, MD-PhD)

The University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center (UACC) invites applications for the position of Center Director.

The Director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) will provide leadership in building national, international, regional, and local visibility and reputation of the Center in collaboration with UA, UAHS, and its clinical partners. Along with the UAHS Vice Presidents, College Deans, and Center Directors, the Cancer Center Director is a key member of the health sciences senior leadership team. The Director establishes the UACC vision, priorities, investments, and strategies serves on relevant committees, searches, and participates in other initiatives relevant to UACC. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences (SVPHS).

Consistent with best practice and NCI requirements, planning and evaluation will be done with the engagement of senior and program leaders, cancer center members, as well as the institutional leaders, such as the UA and UAHS Senior Vice President, and the UACC external advisory board. Representatives from UACC clinical partners will be actively included in planning processes to ensure bidirectional alignment.

The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer through patient care, research, and education. The UACC has recently been re-designated as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. The UACC is the only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in the State of Arizona and one of only 53 in the nation.

The Cancer Center has three research Programs, namely, Cancer Biology, Clinical and Translational Oncology, and Cancer Prevention and Control with strengths in basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor microenvironment, disparities, and cancer prevention.

The Cancer Center is further supported by a broad array of Shared Resources in support of our cancer research activities including but not limited to Human Immune Monitoring, Cancer Imaging, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Metabolomics, Behavioral Measurements and Interventions as well as our comprehensive biorepository which provides biospecimen collection, processing, and storage coupled with clinical and risk factor data collection for a variety of cancers. Bidirectional communication with our catchment is promoted by our Community Outreach and Engagement Team.

Our newly created Office of Training and Education drives the training of the next generation of cancer researchers in our catchment and beyond. Clinical research is supported by 13 Clinical Research Teams and Innovative Working Groups. Other services offered by the Center include genetic counseling, education and survivorship.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Assumes oversight for a complex set of cancer-relevant responsibilities, to include budget and fiscal management, faculty recruitment, appointment, and retention and general operations and administration of the UACC consistent with UA/ABOR policies and procedures.
• Oversee all asset management to include UACC space, equipment, and employees consistent with UA/ABOR policies and procedures.
• Responsible for determining the UACC membership and leadership, establishing membership practices and determining leadership roles/ responsibilities that are consistent with UA/ABOR policies and procedures, NCI requirements as well as peer best practices.
• Determines the programmatic structure of the Cancer Center and appoints, evaluates, and terminates programs in alignment with UA/ABOR policies and procedures and NCI requirements and best practice.
• Responsible for monitoring effectiveness of the UACC Shared Resource program, including determination of strategy, which shall fit within the context of the Cancer Center vision and strategic plan, and maintain high scientific impact, as reflected in publications, grants, and member feedback. The UACC Shared Resource strategy should meet the needs of members and facilitates innovative NCI/NIH cancer peer-reviewed funded research and will adhere to UA/ABOR policies and procedures, NCI requirements and best practices.
• Actively participate in Cancer Center related hires and will be included in signature authority if UACC related assets are requested and procedures, NCI guidelines as well as peer best practices.
• As an NCI designated Center, the Director serves as Principal Investigator of the NCI core grant and will be expected to continue the strong tradition of research excellence within the Center while expanding basic, population health, clinical, and translational research in collaboration with UAHS departmental leadership and clinical partners. Oversees the renewal submission of the NIH-funded UACC NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and is responsible for management of all activities related to the NCI CCSG, including submission of competing and non-competing renewal applications, planning and execution of meetings of the External and Internal Advisory Boards, cancer research programs, and identification of needs for research technologies and services in Shared Resources.
• Partners with the Academic Medical Centers (AMC) associated with the UACC CCSG and other clinical partners in identifying clinical services, clinical research, patient support, community outreach and engagement, and other activities that are mission critical to retaining NCI designation and serving as the academic leader in cancer care for the state.
• Oversees the cancer clinical research program that supports investigators across UA and qualified clinical partners, and clinical partner organizations, with support from institutional leaders, which includes a dedicated Cancer Clinical Trials Office. Responsible for creating the scientific review and monitoring processes as required by NCI.
• Works closely with clinical partners to expand and improve the clinical enterprise to make UACC's Academic Medical Centers destination clinical centers for patients regionally and nationally. With AMC leadership, the Director will create oversight and evaluation processes and committees to foster alignment and joint strategic decision making and optimizing collaboration.
• Works closely with other UA/UAHS centers and institutes optimizing collaboration and leveraging shared research to expand and improve the overall enterprise. This includes UA/UAHS centers statewide, specifically a partnership with the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies (CAMI).
• Responsible for creating and developing internal and external advisory bodies, which may include an external advisory board, community advisory board, and internal advisory board, to provide feedback and advice to the UACC in order to facilitate its advancement and foster its relationship to the UA and philanthropic communities and the people of Arizona.
• Responsible for setting the cancer research education and training vision of the UACC and leads Cancer Center-wide initiatives along the pipeline, from the development of health sciences education programs for K-12 classrooms to career development for mid-career faculty focusing on cancer research. The Director participates in efforts to attract the talented students and postdoctoral fellows to training programs relevant to cancer.
• Responsible for UACC philanthropic efforts, communications, and use of funds in keeping with donor intent, and following UAF and UA policies and procedures.
• Leads cancer-relevant development efforts and sets strategic priorities for cancer-related philanthropy.
• Develops vision and strategic plans to drive UACC development priorities and overall activities in partnership with the SVP and UAF
• Addresses, coalesces, and integrates individual faculty or program needs, and opportunities from donor community and helps facilitate, foster, and enhance cancer marketing and public relations efforts.
• Interface internally and externally regarding public relations.
• Keep abreast of NCI guidelines and reviewer expectations working with leaders and members to meet NCI requirements and reviewer expectations.
• As a core member of the faculty, you will maintain an active, extramurally funded research program, to participate fully and with distinction in undergraduate medical education, and to carry out your share of advising duties and committee assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the SVPHS.

• MD, MD-PhD.
• Qualify for rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• Exceptional leadership skills.
• Experience in leading a large / complex tri-mission center.
• Strong track record of cancer-focused funding.