OHSU is commencing a search for a biomedical researcher and academic leader to serve as the university’s chief scientific officer and vice dean for research in the OHSU School of Medicine. The CSO/VDR will have responsibility for the leadership and management of the research enterprise of OHSU.

The CSO will report to the president of OHSU and, for research matters in the School of Medicine, will serve in the role of vice dean for research, reporting to the dean. This dual reporting structure is intended to facilitate integration and coordination of OHSU’s overarching research agenda.

“OHSU is seeking an internationally renowned biomedical researcher and academic leader who will prioritize strategic initiatives for research and bring together the goals of the basic, translational, clinical, and public health research programs at OHSU,” said OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D. “This individual will provide the leadership and oversee an articulated team of school-level leaders, resulting in the ability to synthesize our research vision across the university and take our research enterprise to the next level.”

Faculty leaders across the institution gave input into the role of the chief scientific officer through such groups as the OHSU Research Strategic Advisory Council, Faculty Senate and the Collaborative Research Leadership Group and Faculty Council in the School of Medicine.

President Robertson and School of Medicine Dean Sharon Anderson, M.D., will charge the committee with its task. Anderson will oversee committee operations, and has appointed David Ellison, M.D., associate vice president for clinical and translational research, and professor of medicine, OHSU School of Medicine, as chair. The committee will provide a report to the president and the dean. Anyone with an interest is encouraged to provide input to members of the search committee, which includes research leaders from across the institution. (View search committee.)

“If all goes well, we hope to have a chief scientific officer in place in time for the start of next school year,” Robertson said. “I’m excited for the vision, guidance and support that this new leader will bring to our outstanding research enterprise at OHSU.”