The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM) at Temple University (TU) seeks an accomplished addiction scientist to serve in a dual role - as leader of a new clinical, research and education collaborative across the Health System and University for addiction research and medicine (currently being referred to as T-ARM) and the Director of the successful and established Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR). The new entity brings together multidisciplinary teams in the areas of addiction research and clinical treatment, with the mission to improve the lives of individuals and communities impacted by drug use and addiction. T-ARM will serve as the hub for research and clinical activities on substance use disorders include CSAR and the Addiction Medicine service line. By coalescing Temple’s expertise in clinical care and cutting edge research, T-ARM will have the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with substance use disorders. The search committee is interested in candidates with a nationally recognized track record of outstanding research in addiction biology, including current impactful publications and funding, and substantial leadership and mentoring experience. Clinical experience in addiction medicine is welcome. The Director will have the opportunity to help define the vision of T-ARM and CSAR and will be responsible for scientific leadership and general administration. They will develop a strategic plan to expand CSAR by enhancing external funding, recruiting, and mentoring new faculty, and providing training for early-career scientists, physicians, and students. The successful candidate should be a leader committed to supporting CSAR as a prominent research unit of the medical school. As Program Director for T-ARM, they will promote interdisciplinary research by facilitating interactions between basic and clinical units at the Temple University Health System (TUHS) and Temple University (TU), and will interact with government agencies to advocate for CSAR, T-ARM, TUHS, and TU in conjunction with other leaders at the institution.
As the Program Director of T-ARM, this individual will be charged with developing and supporting initiatives that span the two arms of the new entity including establishing a vibrant and productive translational research program. They will articulate a strategic vision for T-ARM and CSAR, building on and expanding the established excellence in pre-clinical addiction research at Temple University. The successful candidate will be an exceptional scientist with an active, NIH/NIDA-supported research program and an established reputation in the field of addiction biology. Research expertise can be in any area of addiction science, including approaches that are focused towards elucidating neural pathways, molecular/genetic mechanisms, pharmacological actions, and/or behavioral effects of drugs of abuse, but the research must be innovative and impactful to the field of substance use and addiction science. The incoming Director will work with the Dean and the Senior Associate Dean of Research to implement the vision for growing CSAR by recruiting new faculty and expanding state-of-the-art techniques to support new, innovative research directions. Temple University, TUHS, and LKSOM each have a strong and unwavering commitment to recruitment, retention, and mentorship of a diverse faculty and student population, and to maintaining an inclusive environment for all members of CSAR and T-ARM. The new Director should share and enhance this commitment.
The incoming Director will be expected to serve as a catalyst for developing collaborations across LKSOM with a particular focus on enhancing translational research on addiction and substance use disorders. They will work collaboratively with Addiction Medicine to develop and support clinical research on addictive diseases. LKSOM is looking to expand its impact in addiction medicine regionally and nationally, and is committed to supporting research, education, and clinical care in this area.
Reporting Structure/Key Relationships
The Program Director of T-ARM and Center Director of CSAR will be accountable directly to the Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine with a faculty appointment in the Department of Neural Sciences. Currently, there are seven full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty and two research faculty that report directly to the CSAR Director. Twenty additional Temple faculty have secondary appointments in CSAR, with their space and reporting lines within their home departments. CSAR has a long-standing NIDA-funded Institutional Training Grant that provides mentoring and funding for doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows as well as a NIDA P30 Core Center of Excellence grant. The Program Director of T-ARM will work with the Director of Addiction Medicine to develop and support clinical research on substance use disorders. They will share a vision for the expansion of interdisciplinary interactions and translational research through cultivating partnerships across departments and units of LKSOM and TUHS.
CSAR Description
To learn more about the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) click HERE
Specific Responsibilities
• Work closely and collaboratively with faculty, department chairs, and staff.
• Encourage and support diversity among the research enterprise constituents, creating an environment of professionalism, respect, tolerance, and belonging for all.
• Foster innovative and collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
• In conjunction with the School of Medicine’s Faculty Affairs and Education units, create programs for the academic and professional development of faculty.
• Provide oversight, planning and management of CSAR, working with LKSOM’s finance office.
• Promote a strong culture of institutional responsibility, including a commitment to excellent, efficient, and effective business operations and use of space.
• Work with other campus research leaders on strategic research partnerships.
• Manage the resources of the research enterprise prudently and effectively.
• Communicate effectively and frequently with the Dean and administrative leadership, as well as with the faculty and staff to ensure that strategies and activities of the research enterprise are aligned with the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.
• Develop a plan for recruiting, supporting and mentoring faculty. Participate in faculty career development plans and retention efforts. Provide annual evaluation of all Center faculty. Make recommendations on faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure.
• Create a strategic plan for T-ARM and CSAR, including the development of key areas of research and training in consultation with faculty members.
• Encourage collaborative work with translational scientists in LKSOM and across TU.
• Create an environment that provides infrastructure to support the highest quality of research.
• Contribute to the training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research scientists, and the education of professional students.
• Partner with physician leaders in Addiction Medicine to enhance clinical research at TUHS.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Established expertise in addiction biology research.
• NIDA-funded preclinical research program.
• Use of cutting-edge neuroscience techniques.
• Compelling vision for direction of T-ARM and CSAR.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Demonstrated ability to catalyze interdisciplinary research including translational research on addictive diseases.
• Ability to work with clinical researchers to enhance human subject research on substance use disorders.
• Commitment to education and mentorship.
• Commitment to enhancing diversity and providing an inclusive environment.
Educational Requirements
This position requires a doctoral degree including PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent. The individual must be qualified for an academic appointment at the rank of full professor in the medical school and have an outstanding record of research, scholarship, and mentoring/education.
Faculty Appointment, Benefits/Compensation
The Center Director will carry a Tenure Track faculty appointment as Professor in LKSOM within the Department of Neural Sciences. The annual compensation shall be determined based upon experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, there is a comprehensive suite of benefits – including a generous 403b retirement match, health, dental, vision, life, malpractice, tuition remission, and CME among others.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, and Temple Health
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and patient care, achieved by faculty, staff, and learners who represent and serve its diverse society.
In 2015, the Temple University School of Medicine was renamed the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in honor of Temple alumnus, former trustee, and philanthropist Lewis Katz. The school enjoys a national reputation for training humanistic clinicians and biomedical scientists-a school that values not just technical excellence but cultural competence through diversity, equity, and inclusion. LKSOM enrolls 220 medical students, 22 graduate students in the biomedical sciences, 35 physician assistant students, and 40 post-baccalaureate students per year.
Katz School of Medicine has 27 basic science and clinical departments, comprising over 900 full-and part-time faculty, over 900 volunteer faculty, and more than 500 additional staff.
With more than 13,000 alumni, LKSOM has trained a significant proportion of the physician base in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware region. Reflecting the excellent quality of a Temple medical education, the MD graduates are highly regarded by competitive residency training programs. They have made significant career contributions to both medical practice and medical research. Many have become department chairpersons, deans, and vice presidents of major academic medical centers.
At Katz, students learn the true art and science of “doctoring.” In addition, the school’s world-class faculty set the pace in key areas of investigation, pushing the boundaries of science to advance patient care.
The Katz School of Medicine home base is a modern, 11-story medical education and research building with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies. The building opened in 2009 and boasts open-air research labs, smart classrooms, and a state-of-the-art anatomy lab. More than half of the space in the building is dedicated to research. With specialized research centers and strengths focused on population health, neuroscience, cancer, metabolic disease, lung disease and inflammation, infectious diseases including HIV, cardiovascular disease, substance addiction, and translational science, Katz conducts investigations to break new ground and trains future generations of researchers to follow suit.
Katz confers the following degrees: MD; PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and MS (Master of Science) in Biomedical Sciences; Physician Assistant MMS (Master of Medical Science); MA (Master of Arts) in Urban Bioethics, the only program in the country; and the dual degrees MD/PhD, MD/MPH, MD/MA in Urban Bioethics and MD/MBA.
In addition to its Philadelphia campus, Katz has a four-year regional campus in Bethlehem, PA. The St. Luke’s University Health Network-Bethlehem Campus currently provides medical education for 40 medical students each year.
The Katz School of Medicine also provides opportunities for international students through educational affiliation agreements with universities worldwide. Visiting medical students may take up to two rotations within the program and they must be full-time students in their final year of medical school.
Katz has numerous research centers:
With its affiliates, including Fox Chase Cancer Center, Katz has been awarded over $135 million in research grants over the last year, including more than $55 million in NIH funding for LKSOM. Philanthropic support of scholarships - a top priority, along with support for education, patient care, research, and service to the community - averages more than $30 million annually, typically representing a quarter of Temple University’s overall philanthropic revenue.
Temple University
Founded by Russell H. Conwell in 1884, Temple’s official motto - Perseverantia Vincit, or Perseverance Conquers - reflects its students’ drive to succeed and ability to turn opportunities into accomplishments. Conwell’s purpose was “to give education to those who were unable to get it through the usual channels.” In Temple’s earliest incarnation, working-class citizens were taught late in the evening and referred to as “night owls,” giving rise to the school’s mascot and team name.
In 1965, the University became a member of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, one of three state-related, comprehensive research universities in Pennsylvania. In addition to its Main Campus in North Philadelphia, Temple has three additional locations in Philadelphia: Temple University Center City, the Health Sciences Center, also in North Philadelphia, and the School of Podiatric Medicine near Philadelphia’s historic district. Regional campuses are located in Ambler and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with international campuses in Japan and Rome.
Temple’s influence extends around the globe, with longstanding campuses in Tokyo and Rome; programs in London, Beijing, and other locations; nearly 190 institutional collaborations in 43 countries; and more than 350,000 alumni worldwide. High graduation rates, accomplished graduate degree programs, new living and learning facilities and groundbreaking work in science education and research fuel Temple’s momentum. In the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Temple is in the “highest research activity” category, or R1, placing it among the top four percent of all four-year institutions in the nation.
Temple had a budget of $3.7 billion in FY2022, including $2.5 billion for the Temple University Health System and $1.2 billion for the University. Approximately 73 percent of the University’s operating budget is derived from tuition and fees, and 13 percent from Commonwealth appropriation. The remaining budget comes from indirect cost recovery, gifts, auxiliary enterprises and other sources.
Temple offers 630 academic degree and certificate programs including two associate degree programs, 176 bachelor’s programs, 182 master’s programs, 54 doctoral programs, and 13 professional practice degree programs. Temple is also among the nation’s largest providers of professional education with approximately 3,800 students enrolled in the schools of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and podiatric medicine.
About Temple Health
Temple University Health System (Temple Health) is a $2.5 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. Temple Health includes Temple University Hospital (TUH)-Main Campus; TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Jeanes Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; Temple University Hospital – Fox Chase Cancer Center Outpatient Department; TUH-Northeastern Endoscopy Center; The Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center, together with The Institute for Cancer Research, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Fox Chase Cancer Center Medical Group, Inc., The Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center’s physician practice plan; Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices; and Temple Faculty Practice Plan, Inc., Temple Health’s academic physician practice plan. Temple Health is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple Health and by the Katz School of Medicine. Temple Health neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with Temple Health member organizations. Each Temple Health member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.
TUHS is a progressive and innovative organization. Within the past year, it has earned national and regional accolades for excellence in healthcare. Among these recognitions are the Philadelphia “Employer of Choice” (the only healthcare provider named), Forbes “Best in State”, Healthcare Equality Index Leader, Nursing Magnet, and Leapfrog “A” Safety Grade. These honors speak to the proud team culture of TUHS.
Notable statistics about Temple Health include:
Temple Faculty Physicians (TFP)
Temple Faculty Physicians is made up of more than 500 dually employed physicians who are the cornerstone of clinical care and teaching for Temple’s healthcare enterprise. These physicians practice in 20 academic departments encompassing every subspecialty in modern medicine.
While remaining committed to serving patients in the North Philadelphia community, Temple Faculty Physicians has expanded its geographic reach beyond Temple University Hospital’s Health Sciences campus in recent years. Today, Temple physicians care for patients in several Temple-affiliated hospitals, in satellite offices in Center City Philadelphia, Fort Washington, PA, Oaks, PA and various other outpatient settings. This expanded reach has brought Temple medical care closer to home for many patients.
A Board of Directors comprised of key physician and executive leaders of the Temple University Health System and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine governs Temple Faculty Physicians.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Located in the heart of a diverse urban area, the Katz School of Medicine is acutely aware of the impact of the national systemic problems related to the lack of health equity and access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare. In response, Katz works to address issues that promote health equity through education, care delivery, workforce development, and research. LKSOM recognizes that an environment enriched with persons from varied backgrounds working to address health disparity enhances scholarly work and the development of a culturally aware and responsive healthcare workforce.
The Katz School of Medicine is committed to achieving a climate of inclusion that respects and affirms diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Katz recognizes that excellence in education, training, research, and care delivery is achieved when all students, faculty, staff, community members, and patients experience authentic connection and engagement, feel supported, and are encouraged to participate and contribute to creating health equity.
Procedure for Candidacy
To be considered for this position, you must complete an online application. Your application will not be considered complete until you have submitted all the required documents and information.
Application materials should include the following: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, one-page summary of current research interests and past accomplishments, and a one-page summary of leadership accomplishments and philosophy. LKSOM values diversity and is committed to working towards achieving equity and inclusion within all of its programs. Candidates applying for this position are required to provide a statement addressing how they would utilize their experience and knowledge to promote diversity and inclusion, and how that commitment would add value to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
Temple University anticipates this appointment starting in the spring or summer of 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
For confidential inquires and or questions about the opportunity please contact Tricia H. Burdo, PhD, Professor, Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Search Committee Chairperson or Michael Lester, Assistant Dean, Physician/Faculty Recruitment and Retention, LKSOM, Email: michael.lester@tuhs.temple.edu
We are especially interested in qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups. For more information about diversity at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, please visit the Office of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
COVID-19 vaccinations are required for employment at Temple University, unless granted a religious or medical exemption (see www.temple.edu/coronavirus).
Temple University is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their research, teaching, and/or service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.