Director, Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR)

Program Director, Temple University Institute of Addiction Research and Medicine (TI-ARM)

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.

To learn more about the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) click HERE

To learn more about the position, reporting structure, and organizational information, click HERE

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. 

Procedure for Candidacy

To be considered for this position, you must complete an online application, which is available HERE. 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.

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.

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for employment at Temple University, unless granted a religious or medical exemption (see www.temple.edu/coronavirus).