Division Director - Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Job Description

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Has Been Named:

• Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 children's hospital in the nation
• One of four Medical Centers making the list of the 2022 Glassdoor Best Places to Work
• A Top Hospital and Health System for Diversity recognized by DiversityInc
• One of the nation's most innovative companies by Fortune in March 2023
• An LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer in 2022 by The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology at Cincinnati Children's https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/e/ex-hem seeks a dynamic and innovative new Division Director.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

• Developing, leading, and executing the strategic mission of the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, in collaboration with the Cancer and Blood Diseases (CBDI) leadership and aligned with the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation Strategic Plan and Cincinnati Children's institutional strategy.
• Leading and growing existing programs in research, innovation, discovery, clinical translation, and education in the broad areas of cancer and blood diseases.
• Faculty development is a core function of this position, including strategic recruitment, yearly evaluations, mentorship, development, and guidance for faculty, and ensuring professionalism and a positive, highly collaborative culture.
• As the lead basic scientist in CBDI, this position is responsible for overseeing, supporting, and guiding faculty in the basic sciences and in support of scientific and translational discoveries within the CBDI across all Divisions and Centers.
• This position is responsible for leading the research intersections for all external relationships and partnerships of the CBDI, such as with other academic medical centers, foundations, or industry partners.

DIVISION OF EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY AND CANCER BIOLOGY (EHCB)
The Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology is one of the largest research divisions at Cincinnati Children's and is dedicated to advancing the understanding of human blood diseases and pediatric cancers. The division explores the biology of blood cell formation and function, investigates cancer etiology and therapies, and pursues a mission of transforming innovative scientific discoveries into groundbreaking treatments-ultimately improving the lives of pediatric patients with blood diseases and cancer.

Division Profile:

• 24 primary faculty, 15 adjunct faculty, 80+ research staff, 20+ postdoc fellows.
• $22 million+ in extramural research funding in FY24 by primary faculty.
• 90+ peer-reviewed high impact publications per year by primary faculty.
• Over 20 years of research experience focused on basic and translational research in blood cells and cancer, examining how abnormalities in the genetic code and cell signaling pathways contribute to the development of cancer and blood diseases within the context of regulatory mechanisms in normal cell and tissue physiology, paving the way for new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and cure for some of the most serious pediatric diseases.
• A highly interdisciplinary collaborative environment, with other divisions at Cincinnati Children's, and with institutions worldwide.
• NIH-funded Cincinnati Center of Excellence in Molecular Hematology.

Research in the division is focused on eight thematic programs, each seeking to understand the mechanisms and develop novel therapies associated with clinical programs in these areas:

• Brain Tumors
• Cancer Biology and Neural Tumors
• Hemangioma & Vascular Malformations
• Hematological Malignancies
• Hematology and Gene Therapy
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis
• Signaling and Drug Discovery
• Stem Cell Biology
  

CANCER AND BLOOD DISEASES INSTITUTE SUMMARY
The Division of EHCB is part of Cincinnati Children's Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute (CBDI) whose overall mission is to bring new therapies to children and young adults with cancer and blood diseases, five to ten years ahead of the curve through disruptive innovation and team science. The Institute was formed to facilitate integrated cross-disciplinary research aligned with hospital strategic planning for innovative care. This led to growth in various sectors which gave rise to renowned diagnostic labs, research shared facilities, and an internal clinical research administration organization. Perennially ranked as one of the top national programs by US News, this past year Cincinnati Children's Hospital was ranked as the #1 cancer center in the US.

Institute Profile:

• Founded in 2009, it is one of the largest pediatric cancer and blood diseases programs in the world.
• Nearly 100 world renowned subspecialty clinical and research faculty and an extensive clinical and research support infrastructure.
• Comprised of four divisions: Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant and Immune Deficiencies, and Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology.
• Includes innovation centers such as the Advanced Leukemia Therapies and Research Center, the Proton Therapy Center, and the Applied Gene and Cell Therapies Center.
• Divisions and Centers work together in an integrated, collaborative model, merging research, clinical excellence, innovation, education, and advocacy into one unit guided by a single strategic mission and vision, in alignment with the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation.
• A leading referral center for advanced therapies in cancer and blood diseases (over 60% of Cincinnati Children's cancer patients are national/international referrals).
• Over 600 active clinical trials led by internationally recognized faculty members, and internally administered by an expert clinical research team.
• In fiscal year 2024, research funding exceeded $44 million.
• An average of well over 300 research publications each year.
• Clinical services include over 21,000 inpatient days per year with an average inpatient census of 58 per day
• The Bone Marrow Transplant program has conducted over 2,200 hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs).
• Among the highest annual case mix indices of any pediatric cancer program in the country.
• Faculty members have national/international leadership roles within research and specialty organizations for hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation.
• The Division of Hematology has multiple federally funded faculty members as well as several Centers of Excellence in sickle cell disease and hemoglobinopathies, hemostasis and thrombosis, and vascular malformations. The faculty has led over 100 clinical trials to provide cutting-edge therapeutic advances for children with hematological disorders in the US and around the world.

Recently, the Applied Gene and Cell Therapies Center (AGCTC) and the Proton Therapy Center were added to the Institute based on alignments in research.

The Advanced Leukemia Therapies and Research Center integrates the expertise of the world-class research and clinical programs at Cincinnati Children's and will increase patient access to cutting-edge clinical trials. The Center builds on a foundation of ongoing, groundbreaking research. For example, pioneering the use of the new nanoparticle drug, Vyxeos, for children with AML, leading to pediatric FDA approval of that drug. Now researchers are testing a novel cellular therapy for adults with treatment-resistant AML, which uses cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells. In preliminary studies, these cells have exhibited a response against AML.

The Applied Gene and Cell Therapies Center (AGCTC) is comprised of three major laboratories (Vector Production Facility, Cellular Manipulation Laboratory, and Testing Laboratory), the aseptic processing laboratory which supports the overall mission of the AGCTC, and three research support cores (Viral Vector, Cell Processing, and Testing Cores). The AGCTC was recently approved to move to a new facility with a renewed focus on research and development of novel products for internal investigators and broad partnerships with industry partners. A new $60 million facility will be built with approximately 15,000 square feet of lab and cleanroom space to support state-of-the-art development and manufacturing.

The Proton Therapy & Research Center just completed the world's first human clinical trial of ultra-high dose rate "FLASH" proton therapy. This technology is built upon over $4 million of preclinical in vitro and in vivo FLASH research awards. This work tests the FLASH normal tissue sparing hypothesis in treatment of brain, lung, head/neck, and extremity tumors, and research on side effects including fibrosis and neurocognition.

Collectively, these create one of the most expansive pediatric cancer and blood diseases centers in the world.

APPLICATION, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Confidential inquiries and nominations should be addressed to Rashmi Hegde and Russell Ware (Rashmi.Hegde@cchmc.org, Russell.Ware@cchmc.org), search committee co-chairs.

To apply, submit CV and letter of interest (LOI) to Nathan.Gohlke@cchmc.org, Talent Acquisition Physician Faculty Recruiter.

CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
Established in 1883, Cincinnati Children's is a nonprofit, comprehensive pediatric health system that is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the United States. As a leader in research, education, patient care, advocacy and innovation, we are ranked #1 in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 list of best children's hospitals in the nation and is the #2 recipient of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health. Cincinnati Children's is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care with 762 licensed beds and more than 170,000 Emergency Department visits and 33,000 admissions per year.

Through an academic affiliation dating to 1926, Cincinnati Children's comprises the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Since then, the relationship has resulted in numerous joint endeavors, including the performance of basic and clinical research, collaboration in the care of patients, cooperation in education, and training of medical students, doctoral students, residents, and fellows, and arrangements for the joint use of facilities and equipment. The main Burnet campus is adjacent to the campus of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the country's first teaching hospital.

LOCATION
Cincinnati is one of America's most vibrant and beautiful river cities. Located on the north bank of the Ohio River, metropolitan Cincinnati includes Northern Kentucky and the southeast corner of Indiana. Over two million people make their home in the tri-state hub of southwestern Ohio. Rich in history and tradition, Cincinnati offers all the allure of a larger metropolis while maintaining its charm and small-town character. The city is home to 3 major league sports teams (Cincinnati Reds baseball, Cincinnati Bengals football, and FC Cincinnati soccer), the Flying Pig Marathon, world-class dining options, a vibrant arts and theatre scene, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, opera and ballet companies, historic architecture, beautiful parks, and countless family-friendly opportunities. Cincinnati is a hidden jewel in the Midwest; its diverse economy (five Fortune 500 companies and fifteen Fortune 1000 companies have their headquarters in Cincinnati), affordable housing, and short commute times make Cincinnati the ideal location for an extraordinary quality of life. For more information about Cincinnati, please visit: https://cincinnatiusa.com; https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/education/opcf/cincinnati; https://www.cincinnatiexperience.com/; BEST Things to do in Cincinnati: Activities & Attractions | Visit Cincy

Qualifications - External

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D., and rank of Associate or Full Professor with eligibility for appointment as an affiliated faculty at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
• Ability to develop a collaborative vision on research strategies, with a track record of successfully implementing new initiatives that meet the challenges of academic medicine.
• Leads an active research program relevant to cancer and blood diseases, with a strong track record of maintaining extramural funding.
• Extensive knowledge of research in the field of experimental hematology and cancer biology.
• Demonstration of sustained excellence in mentorship and teaching of trainees and junior faculty.
• A strong scholarly record and research productivity, including manuscripts, grants, curricula, and program development, and university level teaching.
• Experience in recruiting and leading a faculty group.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain trust with all stakeholders.
• Experience in broad collaboration and navigating a complex, integrated academic medical setting.
• Commitment to uphold principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Cincinnati Children's culture and beliefs.
• Excellent local, regional, national, and international reputation.
• Genuine understanding and respect for the tradition of collaborative science at Cincinnati Children's.

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disability

Market Leading Benefits Including*:

• Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs
• Medical coverage starting day 1 of employment. View employee benefits here.
• Competitive retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners
• Referral bonus program for current staff!
• Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQIA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group
• Physical and mental health wellness programs
• Relocation assistance available for some positions

*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type

Primary Location
Location R

Schedule
Full time

Shift
Day (United States of America)

Department
CBDI Administration

Employee Status
Regular

FTE
1

Weekly Hours
40

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disability.

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