The executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained to assist in this recruitment. Alexis Stiles, Flip Jaeger, and Sarah Ekstrom of Spencer Stuart are leading the recruitment efforts. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited and should be submitted to Sarah Ekstrom at sekstrom@spencerstuart.com. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, although indication of interest is encouraged by Friday, May 25, 2026, for full consideration.

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan has grown over more than two centuries into one of the world's leading public research universities, distinguished by a culture that integrates education, discovery, and public impact across a broad academic portfolio. In FY2025, the university reported $2.16B in total research expenditures along with 1,672 new research awards, and 6,319 submissions (total value $6.87B), reflecting both strong external demand and significant internal pipeline activity. In the same fiscal year, the University of Michigan reported $1.25B in federally sponsored research expenditures and $669M in institutional investment, signaling a deliberate strategy to reinvest in research infrastructure, multidisciplinary initiatives, and faculty excellence at scale. The university's innovative outputs further demonstrate translation capacity, including 673 new inventions, 326 license and option agreements, and 31 new startups reported in FY2025.

The University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) is one of the nation's premier public research-intensive medical schools and is home to over 4,400 faculty (including active and emeritus) in 29 clinical and basic science departments and more than 80 centers and institutes. The school's renowned education programs currently include 775 medical students, over 1,300 residents and fellows, 759 graduate students, and 569 postdoctoral fellows. UMMS's $819 million in research awards for FY25 represents $173 million growth since FY19. UMMS is committed to patient-centered care, advancing medical knowledge, and nurturing faculty, students, and staff.

The  Vice Dean for Research will drive the overarching research vision and strategy for the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS), one of the largest biomedical research communities in the nation. This individual will serve as the Dean's senior advisor on research and as a member of the Dean's cabinet, along with the Vice Deans representing clinical care, medical education, and faculty affairs. The Vice Dean for Research serves as a critical connector and partner to department chairs and institute leaders and represents the research pillar of UMMS. Furthermore, this leader will play an important role in building on the institution's strengths, including opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary partnerships across 9 additional schools and institutes with research in the life sciences, many of which are in the top five of their fields and located on the contiguous campus in Ann Arbor. 

• Direct overall strategic planning and implementation, policy development, organizational development, and resource allocation (fiscal, administrative, and staff) for the Medical School Office of Research.
• Provide strategic direction for, and make investments in, the research enterprise. Establish strategies, priorities and down-stream tactics for research planning.
• Evaluate infrastructure and financial needs, perform program reviews. Evaluate outcomes of short- and long-term initiatives.
• Represent the Dean, the Medical School, and Michigan Medicine to University leadership and national organizations on research issues.
• Be an effective institutional leader, helping in the development of network strategies and outreach opportunities.
• Represent the Dean in matters of research to the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), central campus committees, Medical School Committees and in meetings with Medical School Department chairs, Administrators and faculty; serve in an advisory role to the oversight committee of the Endowment for the Basic Sciences.
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration to catalyze Michigan Medicine's tripartite mission of patient care, research, and education. Strengthen opportunities to engage the next generation of researchers, health care providers, and health scholars.
• Effectively partner with UM's Government and Foundations Relations, the Business Engagement Center, Office of Technology Transfer, and Michigan Medicine Development in support of the research mission.
• Effectively partner with Deans and Directors of U-M life science units, including the Schools of Public Health, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Kinesiology. 
• Develop strategic relationships, alliances, and partnerships across the state of Michigan and with academic, corporate, foundation, industry, and community partners to advance the research enterprise.
• Oversee research space utilization and implementation of the Medical School Space Policy. Identify critical equipment and core facility needs. 
• Monitor and advise on internal University and Michigan Medicine policies and procedures as well as the external regulatory and funding landscape.
• Ensure fiduciary and regulatory agency compliance related to research enterprise activities and responsibly manage conflict of interest and commitment, policy and procedural compliance. Avoid conflict of interest, conflict of commitment and the appearance of such conflicts.
• Lead recruitment of researchers to the Medical School. 
• Oversee the Office of Research and its reporting units.

Recognized Research Leader

Advanced degree, Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D., with outstanding achievement in the biomedical sciences and dedication to the success of others. A dynamic, creative thinker with deep knowledge of strategic planning and tactical approaches to facilitate the competitiveness of a large research enterprise, such as at an academic health center or equivalent.

Significant and Progressive Leadership

A minimum of ten years of senior management and leadership experience in an academic or industry setting with proven business and budgeting acumen. Demonstrated experience with responsibility and accountability for the development of strategies and execution of tactics to support the operations of multiple research units, including priority setting and financial and human resources management.

Demonstrated expertise in policies, strategies, leadership and change management needed to successfully develop new enterprise-scale initiatives, change culture, and foster strong partnerships and collaborations across all levels of the university. Competency in organizational navigation and ability to deal effectively and persuasively with individuals of varying levels of institutional authority. Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and trust with all constituents.

Strong Administrator

Demonstrated financial acumen, including operational budget development, expense tracking and cost containment, and capital planning. Successful experience leading and managing a complex team of multiple professionals, including hiring, retention, and termination; setting vision, direction, and expectations; and coaching, developing, assessing, and providing formal and informal performance feedback.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.