Associate Dean for Research, College of Public Health

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Job Title : Associate Dean for Research, College of Public Health

Department : Public Health | College Administration

The Opportunity

The College of Public Health at The Ohio State University seeks an Associate Dean for Research (ADR) to provide visionary leadership for the College’s research enterprise. The ADR serves as the chief research officer, reporting directly to the Dean, and is responsible for strategy, operations, and administration of research resources across the College’s divisions.

This is a 50% administrative appointment, with teaching and research responsibilities scaled accordingly. The ADR will be a key strategic partner to the Dean, contributing to decisions that shape the College’s future growth and national visibility. The ADR works collaboratively with faculty, division chairs, and staff to foster interdisciplinary, collaborative research among divisions, with other colleges at Ohio State, and with external partners. The successful candidate will hold a doctoral degree and have qualifications commensurate with tenure at the rank of professor with an appointment in an appropriate division. Candidates from diverse disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities, are encouraged to apply. The position includes a state-supported salary and start-up package.

Public health faculty serve as principal investigators for more than 50 research programs in locations from Columbus to China and from Indonesia to Malawi. The college offers more than 30 degree specializations at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as more than a dozen dual or combined degree programs with other Ohio State colleges.

A world-class public research university and the flagship teaching and research institution in the state, The Ohio State University provides a distinctive educational experience and pursues basic and applied cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that brings together scholars from across diverse disciplines to solve key societal problems.

For more information about how to nominate a candidate or to express personal interest, please see below.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a compelling, forward-thinking research vision that responds to emerging opportunities and challenges in public health.

Lead the expansion of research portfolios by actively contributing to scholarly work and fostering growth through mentorship of faculty, staff and students.

Lead strategic initiatives to diversify funding sources, including federal, state, private industry, and foundation support.

Strengthen research partnerships with state agencies, local health departments, and community organizations, leveraging Ohio State’s land-grant mission.

In collaboration with the college’s development office, actively engage with donors to advance strategic research initiatives and foster long-term partnerships.

Advocate across the college and within national and international societies, forums, and committees.

Foster a culture of mentorship and collaboration, supporting early-career faculty and promoting interdisciplinary research across colleges.

Enhance and manage internal infrastructure for research administration, including pre- and post-award processes, IRB navigation, and internal grant review.

Support faculty needs through flexible and responsive research support systems.

Elevate the College’s visibility in university-wide initiatives and external partnerships.

Integrate technological advancements, including AI, into research operations while addressing ethical and funding implications.

Serve as a thought leader and strategic advisor within the Dean’s Office leadership team.

Qualifications

A well-established research program with sustained funding and relevance to public health.

Successful track record of growing research portfolios—both personally and through mentorship of faculty, staff and students.

Demonstrated success in grant writing, publishing, and leading collaborative research initiatives.

Proven ability to mentor junior faculty and foster supportive research environments.

Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with experience overseeing research support teams.

Ability to navigate complex organizational environments and translate approaches to fit the College’s structure.

Appreciation for the diversity of public health research across divisions and the ability to apply a broad lens to support all areas.

Skilled communicator and connector, capable of advocating for the College to university leadership, policymakers, and external stakeholders.

Experience with multi-sectoral collaborations and cross-institutional partnerships.

Objectives

Establish institutional research priorities aligned with the College’s strategic goals.

Create and implement effective grants management systems.

Coordinate and support research-based postgraduate programs, residencies, fellowships, and student research initiatives.

Advance clinical translational research and cross-college partnerships, including with medicine, nursing, engineering, and others.

Explore non-traditional funding opportunities and position public health research as integral to broader university initiatives.

Required Qualifications :

Candidates must have a doctoral degree; a well-established research program with a history of sustained research funding with relevance to public health; and credentials that would support appointment at the level of professor in the College of Public Health.

Desired Qualifications :

Proven experience in leading major research initiatives, such as directing a research center or serving in roles like Associate Dean for Research (ADR).

Additional Information :

Procedure for Candidacy

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Application review will begin on November 3, 2025 .

Applicants should submit the following :

(1) Letter of Interest : Include a 1–2-page summary of your background and why you are interested in this opportunity.

(2) Curriculum Vitae (CV) : Detailed overview of your experience.

Please direct all application materials to Allison Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant, The Ohio State University Executive Search team , at Thomas.3748@osu.edu with the Subject Line “Associate Dean for Research, College of Public Health.”

Location : Cunz Hall (0293)

Position Type : Regular

Scheduled Hours : 40

Shift : First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and / or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and / or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will : educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.