Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

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

Location of Vacancy

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 USC

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.

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

Position Description

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

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date

07/01/2026

Job Open Date

01/05/2026

Job Close Date

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.

Worksite address

columbia, SC, 29228, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.