Overview

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Position Summary

The Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is an academic center for innovative hematology research in WI. VBRI research spans the spectrum from basic, mechanistic inquiry to clinical- translational and population-based research and currently houses 26 faculty with five focus areas

- Hematopoiesis, Glycobiology, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine, and Immunology. To increase the critical mass of hematology investigators assembled under the same roof, VBRI will be adding 18 new PIs over a 7-year period. Designs for a new research building are nearing completion, with groundbreaking slated for the summer of 2024, and completion anticipated in the middle of 2026. This state-of-the-art building will add 80,000 ft2 new space, almost doubling our research capacity.

We are seeking to recruit a program leader to expand our Immunology Program from five to up to ten faculty over the next five years. The ideal candidate will have an immunology-focused research program with a track record of outstanding scientific achievement, continuous extramural support, and success at mentorship consistent with a Full Professor. Accomplished scientists whose research includes cancer immunology, autoimmunity, and T-cell biology are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be charged to develop a compelling vision for the Immunology Program and enhance its visibility and impact. They will recruit outstanding faculty and mentor them to academic success, as demonstrated by high-impact publications and NIH-type grants. The Immunology Program leader will report to the VBRI Director, Dr. Michael Deininger, and have a seat on the VBRI Executive Council (VEC), which shapes the strategy for the entire institute. Resources available for the new leader include an endowed chair, the ability to recruit several new faculty, and a generous start-up package for their own research program. The VBRI is located on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC), which encompasses the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Children's Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, and the VBRI. Appropriately qualified candidates will be presented with additional leadership opportunities in the MRMC.

This position provides attractive extensive opportunities for collaboration with basic, translational, and clinical investigators. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The VBRI’s location on the MRMC facilitates collaboration, provides additional research breadth, and enables access to graduate students. To facilitate translational research, VBRI faculty typically hold a second appointment at an MCW department, including clinical departments. MCW is home to a rich immunology community that includes the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Immunology, Center for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research (CIBMTR), and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) of Southeastern Wisconsin. The MCW Cancer Center will soon relocate into a new facility, with investment in innovative technologies, including metabolomics, glycobiology, and cryo-electron microscopy, amongst others. The academic landscape is enriched by several Milwaukee-area universities, including the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Marquette University, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

The VBRI provides a unique environment for research given its focus on hematology and its long record of scientific excellence and innovation since its founding over seventy years ago. Starting with the recruitment of Dr. Michael Deininger in 2021, an international leader in malignant

hematology, the VBRI is strategically strengthening its programs in immunology and stem cell biology to advance our goal of becoming an international destination for hematology research. We are committed to impactful, rigorous science that can change lives.

Who are we looking for?

Eligible candidates have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and a CV consistent with a Full Professor. The successful candidate will have a scientific record of creativity and productivity, a desire to integrate into our exciting, collaborative, and growing community of researchers, and a dedication to contributing to our values of diversity and openness. They will be expected to bring a productive and innovative research program and participate actively in education, training, and mentorship while leading and growing the Immunology Program. Proven academic leadership skills and the ability to navigate a complex campus are a plus. The VBRI works to attract, design, and retain a diverse workforce and faculty body that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that societal change requires actions, not words, and are committed to diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and thought to advance excellence in science and medicine.

How do you apply?

Qualified applicants should submit a single pdf containing a cover letter, CV, summary of research accomplishments, future research plans (4 pages maximum), leadership statement (1 page limit), and statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion (1 page limit). Please address the letter to Drs. Xue-Zhong Yu and Qizhen Shi, who lead the search committee. All documents should be sent to programleaderimmunology@versiti.org by May 15, 2024. Versiti is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and strongly encourages applications from individuals in groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. Versiti is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.

Milwaukee| versiti.org/careers/living-in-milwaukee. Located on the west side of beautiful Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a well-kept secret of affordable quality of life. The city boasts various museums, some of the nation's largest summer festivals, a multi-cultural population rich in culinary and artistic tradition, a progressive downtown area, and many outdoor recreation opportunities, including many parks, river walks, and public beaches. Housing is affordable, public, and parochial schools are excellent, and traffic is a breeze. Milwaukee neighborhoods are known for variety, character, and unique architecture, offering superb quality of life and exceptional work-life balance in a city rife with history. With Chicago only 75 minutes away, world-class cultural and sporting venues and one of the world's busiest air travel hubs are within easy reach.

Responsibilities

• Defines and implements a fundable research program.
• Obtains funding from sources outside of the BCW.
• Holds a faculty appointment at the Full Professor Level at a local University/Medical School.
• Maintains an active scientific publications record.
• Contributes to growth and viability of BCW Science and Technology programs.
• Mentors pre/post doctoral Fellows, Research Scientists. Associate Investigators, and Investigators.
• Has supervisory and management responsibilities within the laboratory group.
• Trains, directs, and mentors staff within the laboratory group.
• Directs laboratory and Research Staff Meetings.
• Adheres to BCW, Bio-safety, NRC and OSHA procedures and regulations.
• Has grant administration and budget responsibilities.
• May maintain or oversee maintenance of inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• May prepare and/or authorize requisitions for ordering supplies and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

• M.D required
• PhD or equivalent degree (e.g., D.Sc.) required

Experience

• National and international reputation as an authority in his/her scientific discipline required
• Demonstrated capacity for leadership, as evidenced by service on organizing and/or program committees for scientific conferences, editorial boards of journals, administrative and executive committees of national and international societies. required
• Established, well-funded research program required
• Proven reputation for developing the careers of students, fellows, and junior faculty required
• Eligible to hold a University faculty appointment at the level of full Professor required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to establish effective local and national collaborations with scientific colleagues to further research goals.
• Demonstrated ability to promote/integrate The Blood Research Institute’s activities within local scientific communities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the structure and execution of research experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed.
• Immediate proficiency in basic and sophisticated tests and procedures required in the scientific field.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Computer literate with an emphasis on graphics, graphing, data management, and statistical applications.

Tools and Technology

• Specialized research laboratory equipment required
• Personal computer required