The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), School of Dentistry invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. The selected candidate will serve as Director of the Center for Craniofacial Research (CCR), a university-wide research center that integrates basic, translational, and clinical research in oral and craniofacial biology with members in both the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine, primarily within the Department of Pediatrics.

The Center for Craniofacial Research (CCR) is one of the School's flagship research units, designed to foster collaborative research in craniofacial and oral health sciences. The School of Dentistry, currently ranked number eight in research funding among U.S. dental schools by the NIDCR, is one of seven schools in UTHealth Houston, which is located in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the world's largest medical complex. The CCR and UTHealth Houston provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including imaging, genomics, proteomics, histopathology cores, and pre-clinical models.

We seek an exceptional investigator with a record of leadership, innovation, and externally funded research in craniofacial and/or oral sciences. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong history of interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and program development, and will be expected to advance both the CCR and the School of Dentistry's strategic research priorities.

This position is highly competitive, with regard to salary, start-up package, and laboratory space. Applicants must hold a PhD, DDS, DDS/PhD, or equivalent degree(s).

Position Key Accountabilities:

As Director of the CCR, the appointee will provide:

• Research and Scientific Leadership
  • Develop and sustain a robust, externally funded research program in craniofacial and/or oral biology.
  • Guide strategic growth of CCR research programs, fostering innovation and translational impact.
  • Promote integration of CCR research with NIH/NIDCR initiatives and cross-School collaborations.

• Administrative and Strategic Leadership
  • Provide vision and direction for the CCR, ensuring alignment with the School of Dentistry's Strategic Plan.
  • With the Associate Dean for Research, manage CCR resources, core facilities, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Represent CCR within the School, across UTHealth Houston, and in the broader scientific community.

• Mentorship and Training
  • Mentor junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and students engaged in CCR research.
  • Build interdisciplinary research teams and facilitate faculty development in grant writing and project leadership.

• Teaching and Service
  • Contribute to teaching in the predoctoral and/or graduate curriculum.
  • Serve as an active and visible leader in professional organizations (e.g., AADOCR/IADR).
  • Participate in service activities consistent with the missions of the School and UTHealth Houston.

Qualifications:

• PhD, DDS, DDS/PhD, or equivalent.
• Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor on the tenure track.
• Demonstrated record of sustained independent research funding (preferably NIH/NIDCR).
• Evidence of high-impact publications in oral/craniofacial or related biomedical sciences.
• Experience in leadership roles with clear potential to direct a multidisciplinary research center.
• Strong record of mentorship, collaboration, and research program development.
• Commitment to the School's missions of research, education, service, and training of the next generation of dental professionals.

Applicants should include in their application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research and teaching interests
• Vision for the CCR
• Names and contact information for three references