Description

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Center for Healthy Aging (CHA). This is an opportunity for a Physician-Scientist to build and direct a nationally visible Center focused on preventative medicine and healthy aging. This new Center will bridge an existing strength in the basic biology of aging with new and existing clinical infrastructure. This opportunity is ideal for physician-scientists interested in advancing geroscience as an approach to mitigate chronic disease.

About OMRF

Founded in 1946, OMRF is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected independent biomedical research institutes. OMRF is a nonprofit, independent research institute dedicated to conducting biomedical research that enables more people to live longer, healthier lives. With an annual budget of more than $100 million, more than 50 principal investigators, and a strong record of NIH funding, technology transfer, and philanthropy, OMRF offers a stable and supportive environment for basic, translational, and clinical research.

OMRF’s research strengths include aging, immunology, autoimmunity, cardiovascular biology, genetics, epigenetics, neurodegeneration, and cell cycle biology. OMRF is located in the Oklahoma Health Center in Oklahoma City, adjacent to the University of Oklahoma Health Campus, and the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System.

Opportunity and Vision

OMRF seeks a candidate that is committed to running an independent clinical research program while serving as the founding Medical Director for a new Center for Healthy Aging. The ideal candidate is a physician-scientist who can make an immediate impact in our Aging and Metabolism Research Program while having the skills to lead a successful clinical research program, successfully mentor, collaborate with other geroscience researchers, and the ability to develop innovative scientific and community partnerships that advance healthy aging and age-induced disease research. It is expected that the candidate will work with current leadership in the Aging & Metabolism and Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Programs to build a center that supports aging- and geroscience-focused research, builds resources for clinical research in aging, and interacts with the community to promote disease prevention and healthy aging. The candidate will be able to leverage the significant strengths in aging that exists at OMRF as well as our neighboring institutions. Such resources include the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center, an NIA-sponsored Geroscience T32, The Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging at the University of Oklahoma, and the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System. OMRF is also establishing new clinical centers concurrently with the Center for Healthy Aging including the Human Performance Laboratory, the Center for Digital Health Innovations, the David R. Brown, MD Advanced Human Imaging Center, and the TSET Institute for a Healthier Oklahoma. These new centers and laboratories will be integrated into the established clinical and clinical research enterprise that includes the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, the Rheumatology Research Center of Excellence, and the Autoimmune Center of Excellence.

This role is intended for a leader with the vision, credibility, and experience to shape OMRF’s efforts to bridge the basic biology of aging to interventions that slow aging and extend healthspan. The position is ideally suited for those interested in being at the forefront of exciting new therapeutic opportunities in geroscience with significant physical infrastructure and support in place to make it a reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical oversite for a new Center for Healthy Aging and grow it into a nationally recognized program
• Maintain an internationally recognized and well-funded research program
• Recruit, mentor, and retain support staff
• Lead diversification of funding portfolios that help sustain center activities
• Create, enroll and characterize the Oklahoma Cohort for Healthy Aging
• Engage with the community to grow Center activities, subject databases, and dissemination of efforts to improve healthspan
• Enhance national visibility and philanthropic engagement

Resources and Institutional Commitment

OMRF is committed to the building of a successful Center and to meet those goals, the successful candidate will receive:

• A highly competitive start-up package
• New clinical facilities and equipment suited for multiple domains of testing and training
• Access to well-equipped laboratory and/or clinical research space
• Institutional support for shared scientific equipment and core facility expansion
• Access to OMRF’s extensive research infrastructure, clinical research infrastructure, internal IRB, and technology transfer expertise

About Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is a dynamic and affordable metropolitan area with a growing biomedical and health sciences ecosystem, a high quality of life, a vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to outdoor recreation.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter outlining scientific vision and leadership experience or potential
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement describing plans to help develop a Center for Healthy Aging at OMRF
• Contact information for three references; these individuals will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates after in person interviews
• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Core Competencies

• MD, DO or MD/PhD
• Expertise in aging/geroscience research as evidenced by previous funding and publications
• Demonstrated success or potential for scientific leadership
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating research staff and trainees
• National prominence as evidenced by service to important societies, collaborative efforts, and the NIH

Preferred Qualifications and Strategic Experience

• Experience with biomarker studies, longitudinal cohort studies, lifestyle or drug interventions, or precision medicine approaches to aging
• Track record of translating research findings into clinical practice
• Leading team science initiatives, including program projects, centers, or large collaborative grants
• Experience with clinical and regulatory guidelines and FDA regulations
• Knowledge of current NIA and geroscience initiatives
• Advancing intellectual property, technology development, or early-stage biotechnology efforts
• Nurturing philanthropic relationships that support geroscience and healthy longevity research