Position Summary:

The Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) at UTHealth Houston is responsible for the oversight of the university's development and implementation of initiatives, curriculum and programs related to postdoctoral research fellows (PRFs) and oversees all administrative aspects of the OPA, including: representing postdoc policy issues with all levels of faculty and administration; independently developing and overseeing publications, programs and events; managing the OPA electronic database; communicating information about positions, career opportunities and university services; as well as serving as an advocate for postdoc issues with faculty and administration. The Director will lead strategic planning for the OPA, providing vision and identifying the necessary resources to carry out initiatives.

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Engages in strategic planning for growth and expansion of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) as the primary resource for postdoctoral research fellows (PRF) training at UTHealth Houston. Responsible for articulating and periodically revising a vision for the Office to the SVP, Academic and Faculty Affairs, and working with that office to secure resources internally and externally to enhance the PRF experience and maximize PRF contributions to the UTHealth Houston research mission.
• Leads efforts and coordinates with faculty, departments, and schools in sourcing PRFs for UTHealth Houston; responsible for managing review and audit of PRF appointments to ensure federal agency compliance and approval by faculty.
• Responsible for managing training and mentoring PRFs; remains current on all policies promulgated by federal agencies and partners with the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of International Affairs, and Human Resources to initiate policy implementation and revisions; reviews and certifies all F1 STEM OPT renewals.
• Champions and advocates for strategic initiatives to enhance career readiness and professional development, including administering an annual grantsmanship workshop to equip scholars with essential skills and resources, while supervising the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs staff in developing curriculum and overseeing the PRF Certificate Program at UTHealth Houston.
• Serves as the primary advocate for PRF scholars, guiding them through early-stage challenges, interpersonal dynamics, and complex academic environments. Provides confidential coaching and constructive pathways to PRFs and their faculty supervisors for addressing concerns, fostering stability, and operational excellence across the postdoctoral community. Acts as UTHealth Houston's central point of contact for all postdoctoral matters.
• Leads postdoctoral association programs, including the annual President's Excellence in Postdoctoral Research Award, travel awards, career seminars, and networking and social events; directs the New PRF orientation program and ongoing communications through postdoc listservs and other channels to ensure timely dissemination of information regarding training, seminars, and funding, while serving as the primary liaison to campus resources.
• Serves on the UTHealth Houston Academic Council and National Postdoctoral Association committees to advocate for postdoctoral issues, while coordinating with PRF offices at sister TMC institutions to leverage resources and offerings, aiming to establish the UTHealth Houston Office of Postdoctoral Affairs as the pre-eminent OPA within the TMC.
• Oversees the accurate collection of information for the postdoctoral database used to generate annual THECB CBM00R Report, NSF-NIH Survey, Legislative Appropriation Performance Measures, and other reports as required; provides faculty and schools with data for grants and training development and develops and manages the annual OPA budget.
• Develops and maintains content for the OPA website containing a database of funding agencies and a link to the job board for PRFs. • Manages Human Resources activities for direct reports in regard to recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluations, and salary planning.
• Responsible for the design, execution, and effectiveness of a system of internal controls which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, and financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Certification/Skills:

Minimum Education:

Doctorate Degree

Minimum Experience:

• 7 years of related experience required
• 2 years of Postdoc experience required
• Leadership experience in health or medical program administration and program development within an academic health center, with a preference for previous work in postdoctoral affairs preferred

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.21

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.