Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

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Posting Number:
FAC00271PO25

Advertised Title
Chair, 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

Part/Full Time
Full 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 University Of South Carolina
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 bachelor's 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.

Advertised Job Summary
Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & 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 & 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 department's mission in research, education, and service while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The Chair will be responsible for the continued growth of the department's research enterprise, including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial and pathobiology research activity, enhancement of educational programs, and expansion of translational research efforts that bridge discovery science with clinical applications.

Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and leadership to grow and strengthen the department's research portfolio including basic, translational, immunologic, microbial, and pathobiology research activity
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand the department's 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
• 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
• Promote translation of basic science insights into clinical impact, disease mechanism understanding, immunotherapy or host-pathogen interaction research, and population health benefit
• Mentor and support faculty in securing extramural funding from NIH, NSF, and other federal and private sources
• Maintain an active, externally-funded research program
• Oversee core research facilities and infrastructure to support departmental research activities
• 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:

Undergraduate Medical Education (UME)
– leadership in curriculum delivery and content in pathology, microbiology, and immunology in medical student training

Graduate Programs (PhD and MS)
– oversight and support for student research training, dissertation progression, funding competitiveness, faculty mentorship, and laboratory growth

Oversight of teaching participation and academic engagement in nurse anesthesia (CRNA), counselling and rehabilitation, genetic counseling and physician assistant (PA) graduate-level professional programs

This position will oversee the involvement of the PMI faculty in:

• Teaching responsibilities in the undergraduate medical education (M1-M4 curriculum)
• PhD program activities within the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program
• Master's degree programs, including the Applied Biotechnology program
• Excellence in teaching and mentorship across all educational levels
• Innovative curricula that integrate basic science with clinical applications
• Faculty development in teaching and educational scholarship

Administrative Leadership

• Provide fiscal oversight and resource management for the department
• Recruit, retain, and mentor outstanding faculty, staff, and trainees
• Promote faculty advancement through tenure and promotion processes
• 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
• Oversee departmental operations, including space allocation and strategic planning
• Provide administrative oversight, including budgeting, strategic planning, program expansion, space allocation, and infrastructure development
• Lead departmental development initiatives, including philanthropy, donor engagement, and investment partnership opportunities to support growth in research, training, and innovation

About The Department Of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology
The Department of Pathology, Microbiology & 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.
PMI website link
Research Excellence
The department maintains a robust research portfolio with sustained NIH funding and national recognition. Current research strengths include:

• Cannabinoid research and inflammation: the 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

The department has achieved significant milestones, including:

• Annual NIH funding reaching as high as $9 million
• Over $60 million in extramural funding attracted over the past two decades
• Multiple R01 grants, center grants, and infrastructure awards

Educational Programs
PMI Provides Foundational Education Across Multiple Programs
Undergraduate Medical Education:
The department delivers 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
• Master's programs in Biomedical Sciences and Applied Biotechnology
• Several doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees have been mentored over the past two decades

Professional Programs:
The department contributes to education in Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA), Counseling and Rehabilitation, Genetic Counseling and Physician Assistant programs.

Medical Student Engagement:
An active Medical Student Interest Group (MSIG) for Pathology promotes student involvement in research and career exploration, recently receiving the Margaret Grimes Medical Student Interest Group Grant.

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
• Regular networking and collaboration events
• Active participation in university-wide research courses and facilities
• Established partnerships with clinical departments for translational research

Recent Accomplishments

• Faculty recognized with national awards including the Society of Toxicology Vos Career Award
• Successful F31, F99/K00, and K99/R00 awards for trainees and early-career investigators
• High student success rates in competitive national research symposia and conferences
• Strong record of publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, mBio, Journal of Immunology, and Frontiers in Immunology

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE COLUMBIA
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia(SOMC) is the state's second oldest medical school and a leader in medical education, biomedical research, and community engagement.
SOMC website link
Mission and Vision
The School Of Medicine Is Committed To

• Educating physicians and other providers and biomedical scientists to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond
• Advancing biomedical knowledge through innovative research
• Providing excellent patient care through affiliated clinical partners
• Addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes in underserved communities

Academic Programs
Medical Education:
The MD program enrolls approximately 100 students per year and emphasizes early clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community engagement. The school is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) with the next accreditation limited survey scheduled for January 2027.

Graduate Education:
Robust PhD and Master's programs in biomedical sciences attract talented students from across the nation and internationally.

Professional Programs:
The school supports multiple health professions training programs including Nurse Anesthesia, Genetic Counseling, and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Research Environment
The School of Medicine maintains a strong research infrastructure with:

• Multiple NIH-funded centers and training grants
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities including imaging, genomics, and flow cytometry
• Strong institutional support for research through the Office of the Vice President for Research
• Collaborative networks including the NCI-funded MeDOC (Metabolic Dysregulation Obesity Cancer) Consortium
• Partnerships with Prisma Health, Lexington Medical Center, and the Dorn VA Medical Center

In addition, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine houses the Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) program that serves as a bridge between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications (Clintrusc). The CTR provides comprehensive support for investigators conducting translational research, offering expertise in clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, biostatistics, and research coordination. The program facilitates partnerships between basic scientists and clinical investigators, supporting the translation of innovative research findings into improved patient care. With access to biobanking, clinical research coordinators, data management systems, and regulatory support, the CTR enables faculty to advance their discoveries from bench to bedside. The center works closely with affiliated clinical partners including Prisma Health and the Dorn VA Medical Center, providing investigators with access to diverse patient populations and clinical research infrastructure essential for advancing translational science.

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 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.

If interested in applying, use the Quick link to complete the application process:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit application materials by.

Application Materials Should Include

• Cover letter outlining your vision for the department and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests and accomplishments
• Statement of leadership philosophy and experience
• Names and contact information for five professional references

Required Education And Experience

• PhD, MD/PhD, MD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant biomedical science field
• Eligibility for tenured appointment at the rank of Professor
• Strong record of externally-funded research with sustained NIH or equivalent federal funding
• Demonstrated excellence in research as evidenced by high-impact publications and national recognition
• Proven leadership experience in academic administration, research, or educational program management
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Vision for advancing basic science research and translational applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a department chair, division chief, center director, or comparable leadership role
• Track record of successful faculty recruitment and mentorship
• Experience participating in or leading NIH Center grants (P01, P30, P50, U54, CTSA, CTR, COBRE) or equivalent large-scale collaborative funding
• Experience in building interdisciplinary research programs
• Strong network of collaborations at national and international levels
• Experience with medical school curriculum development and LCME accreditation processes
• Record of service to professional societies and editorial boards
• Proven ability to expand partnerships with state, national, and global research networks
• Experience promoting translation of basic science into clinical impact and population health benefit

Desired Start Date
07/01/2026

Job Open Date
01/05/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions To Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty- five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink For Posting

EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.