Director, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

The University of Maryland School of Medicine seeks an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). Established over five decades ago, the CVD is internationally renowned for its groundbreaking work in vaccine research, development, and clinical testing, as well as its deep commitment to improving public health in low-resource settings. With expertise spanning bacterial, viral, parasitic, and other infectious diseases, CVD has contributed significantly to the global fight against diseases such as malaria, typhoid, cholera, and influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. CVD continues to play an instrumental role in global health, pandemic preparedness, antibiotic resistance, and addressing public health emergencies.

The Director will oversee the Center's strategic direction, cutting-edge research initiatives, and educational programs, leveraging CVD's state-of-the-art laboratories, clinical research units, and robust field sites in various countries. The role requires an internationally recognized scientist with a track record in vaccine research, infectious disease studies, and public health. The Director will also be expected to drive collaboration across university departments and with global partners, enhancing the Center's capacity to translate scientific discoveries into impactful health solutions and advancing global health equity through innovation, research, and policy advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement the Center's strategic plan in alignment with the University's and School of Medicine's mission and vision.

Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation, positioning CVD as a global leader in vaccine development and infectious disease research

Research & Development:

Oversee and actively participate in high-impact research, including basic, translational, and clinical studies in infectious diseases and immunology.

Secure extramural funding for research initiatives through grants, partnerships, and collaborations with governmental, non-governmental, and private sector organizations.

Drive innovation in vaccine discovery, development, and testing.

Global Health Engagement:

Develop and strengthen partnerships with international agencies, governments, and research organizations to advance public health solutions in low-resource settings.

Lead projects focused on global infectious diseases, epidemics, and pandemic preparedness and response, promoting health equity across diverse populations.

Education & Mentorship:

Oversee CVD's educational programs, fostering the next generation of scientists, researchers, and public health professionals.

Mentor faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students to enhance the academic environment and research capacity of the Center.

Sponsor career development programs and related training grants (ie: T32 and K12) to ensure a rich training environment for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Foster mentorship structures for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty to maximize opportunities for career development awards.

Operational Management:

Manage the Center's operational and budgetary activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation to support its scientific and educational goals.

Provide oversight of laboratory operations, compliance, and safety protocols to maintain the highest standards of research integrity.

MD (preferred) and/or PhD, or equivalent degree, with training and expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, microbiology, or a related field.

Internationally recognized scientific and research impact, with an extensive publication record and an active portfolio of extramural grant funding.

Proven experience in senior leadership roles, ideally within academic or research institutions.

Strong background in infectious disease research, vaccine development, epidemiology, or related public health fields.

Demonstrated commitment to global health, equity, and social responsibility.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Desired Characteristics

Strategic Vision: The ideal candidate will demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, with the ability to anticipate future trends in vaccine development, infectious disease research, and public health challenges on a global scale.

Collaborative Leader: Strong ability to foster and build partnerships within the university and with external stakeholders, including other academic institutions, governmental agencies, NGOs, and industry partners.

Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity within the Center, promoting an inclusive environment, and addressing health disparities through research and outreach.

Global Health Diplomacy: Skilled in navigating diverse cultural settings and establishing trust and collaboration with international partners, particularly in low-resource environments.

Innovative Problem-Solver: Ability to drive creative, science-based solutions to complex public health issues, with an aptitude for addressing unexpected challenges in vaccine development and global health research.

Exceptional Communication Skills: A persuasive and clear communicator able to translate complex scientific research for diverse audiences, from policymakers and donors to the general public.

Mentorship Excellence: A committed mentor who fosters growth, encourages academic and professional development, and inspires the next generation of scientists, researchers, and global health leaders.

Ethics and Integrity: High ethical standards with a deep commitment to responsible conduct of research, transparency, and research integrity.

Resilience and Adaptability: The flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing global health landscapes, with the resilience to lead the Center through crises, public health emergencies, and new scientific challenges.

Compensation

The CVD Director will receive a competitive package at a level commensurate with experience and academic achievement including research start-up package, faculty recruitment resources, attractive salary, comprehensive benefits, and relocation assistance. The base salary range for this position is $304,189 - $400,249, depending on experience.

To Apply

For applications and nominations, please contact the Grant Cooper Team, reaching out to Abby Walsh (abby@grantcooper.com). For applications, please include your current CV and letter of introduction.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Talent Recruitment department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. For more information, follow this link UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination.