Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Posting Details

Posting Summary ---------------

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Posting Number: FAC00271PO25

Advertised Title: Chair, Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

Department: Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology Campus: Columbia College Division: School of Medicine Columbia Department: SOMC Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

Advertised Salary Range: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Location of Vacancy: Part-time Hours per Week: 37.5 Position Category: Full-time Equivalent FTE Basis: 12 months

Work County: Richland Tenure Information: Tenure-Track, Tenured

Job Search Category: Faculty

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster, and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelors degrees through a combination of in-person, online, or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina, USC, through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave, and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the Working at USC section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Chair, Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia (USC SOMC) invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology (PMI). This is a tenure-track leadership appointment in a basic science department with responsibility for academic research, educational, and translational missions. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to advance the departments mission in research, education, and service, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Leadership:
• Provide strategic vision and leadership to grow and strengthen the departments research portfolio, including basic translational immunologic, microbial, and pathobiology research activity.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand the departments research portfolio and enhance its national prominence.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across basic science, clinical departments, the NIH COBRE program, and associated centers to accelerate scientific discovery and clinical translation.
• Administrative Oversight:
• Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development.
• Expand partnerships with state, national, and global research networks to expand funded training grants, interdisciplinary research teams, and programmatic growth.
• Clinical Administrative Leadership:
• Provide clinical administrative leadership where relevant, build a culture of shared governance, transparency, and research success.
• Educational Leadership:
• Promote excellence in education at every level, including undergraduate medical education, graduate programs, and professional programs.
• Develop and implement innovative curricula that integrate basic science with clinical applications.
• Faculty Development:
• Recruit, retain, and mentor outstanding faculty, staff, and trainees.
• Promote faculty advancement through tenure and promotion processes.
• Representation and Partnerships:
• Represent the department at the School, University, and national leadership forums, while advocating for faculty equity, inclusion, and trainee success.
• Build partnerships with clinical departments, industry, and community stakeholders to support growth in research, training, and innovation.

About the Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology (PMI) is a vibrant basic science department at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia, with a distinguished history of research excellence, innovative education, and collaborative scholarship.

Research Excellence

The department maintains a robust research portfolio with sustained NIH funding and national recognition. Current research strengths include:

• Cannabinoid research and inflammation
• Department houses an NIH COBRE Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Dietary Supplements and Inflammation
• Host-microbiota interactions
• Investigating the complex relationships between immune function, gut microbiome, and disease
• Cancer immunology and cachexia
• Translational studies examining immune mechanisms in cancer progression and treatment
• Mast cell biology and allergic diseases
• Novel therapeutic approaches for inflammation and allergy
• Exosome therapeutics
• Innovative delivery systems for cancer treatment
• Exercise immunology and metabolic disease
• Understanding immune-metabolic interactions in health and disease

Educational Programs

PMI provides foundational education across multiple programs, including:

• Undergraduate Medical Education: Comprehensive instruction in pathology, microbiology, and immunology to medical students (M1-M4), integrating basic science concepts with clinical applications.
• Graduate Programs: PhD training through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program, Masters programs in Biomedical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology.
• Professional Programs: Contributions to education in Nurse Anesthesia, CRNA Counseling, Rehabilitation Genetic Counseling, and Physician Assistant programs.

Faculty and Collaborative Environment

The department comprises accomplished basic science and clinician-scientist faculty members with expertise spanning immunology, microbiology, pathology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and translational research. Faculty maintain collaborative relationships across multiple institutions, including MUSC, Johns Hopkins, UC Irvine, and beyond. A strong culture of mentorship and collaboration fosters success for faculty at all career stages, supported by Women in Science and Medicine (WiSaM) Committee promoting equity and inclusion.

Strategic Priorities

Current strategic initiatives include:

• Enhancing research competitiveness and infrastructure
• Expanding translational and clinical research programs
• Addressing health disparities in South Carolina
• Strengthening community partnerships and outreach

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of South Carolina offers an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions

If interested in applying, use the Quick link to complete the application process: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199180. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit application materials by [insert date]. Application materials should include:

• Cover letter outlining your vision for the department and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• List of references and contact information
• Teaching statement
• Research statement
• Optional documents: Research portfolio