Description

Associate Dean for Research, College of Public Health

Department:
Public Health | College Administration

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.

Procedure for Candidacy
Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Application review will begin on November 3, 2025. Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants should submit the following:

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

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSUCareers/details/Associate-Dean-for-Research_R138014 or search R138014 via Careers.

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