Description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitleDirector of the Center on Drug and Alcohol ResearchRequisition NumberFE04767Working TitleDepartment Name7H000:COLLEGE OF MEDICINEWork LocationLexington, KYType of PositionFacultyPosition Time Status Full-TimeTenure Track StatusNon-Tenure TrackRequired EducationPhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Communication, Health Services Research, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences, or other related fields, and be eligible for appointment at an Associate or Full Professor rank.Required Related Experience

• Strong record of extramural funding and peer-reviewed publications in drug and alcohol research
• Demonstrated leadership in administrative positions
• Demonstrated commitment to mentorship and career development
• Recognized involvement in academic and professional societies at a national level

Required License/Registration/CertificationDetermined based on Department ApartmentJob SummaryThe Opportunity
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine seeks a visionary director with a proven track record of scholarly achievement, particularly in advancing research related to the use of drugs and/or alcohol to lead its dynamic Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR). Exceptional accomplishments as a researcher and academic are necessary, as the director's duties will include continuing their own research program, supervising trainees, and maintaining service activities. We are seeking a senior (associate or full professor) research and leadership-focused faculty member for this tenured or tenure-track, Regular Title Series, full-time (12-month) position.

Scope of RoleAs a position of oversight, the director of the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research serves as the most visible advocate for center activities. The director will ensure that faculty, staff, and trainees work in conjunction with one another and with other groups across the college and campus, sharing research resources whenever possible. The director will also provide administrative, scientific, and mentoring support to center faculty, staff, and trainees. The director will work to uphold and expand the reputation and mission of the center at the University, in the community and nationally, while also serving as a leader for the College of Medicine.
Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight for the research portfolio of CDAR, encouraging the growth of its research through scholarly dissemination (publishing, presenting, submitting, and obtaining extramural funding) and interdisciplinary collaboration within the College of Medicine and outside the college.
• Support a positive and productive environment for faculty, staff, and trainees within the center.
• Promote mentorship of faculty, staff, and trainees in research and professional development.
• Facilitate an environment of collaborative research, including maintaining records of accomplishments and supporting the acquisition of external funding.
• Maintain and expand University-wide and external partnerships to advance CDAR's mission and initiatives, including pursuing philanthropic partnerships.
• Manage center resources and space to ensure effective, transparent, and productive utilization.
• Represent and communicate the needs and priorities of the center and its affiliated faculty to College of Medicine and institutional leadership.
• Sustain and grow the national and international reputation of the center in the fields of substance use through professional, societal, and evidence-based outreach and the development of complex center grants.
  
  

For full details and consideration for this position, click here: Director of CDAR Prospectus for the entire position prospectus.

Interested applicants should apply through the University of Kentucky job posting: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/610378. Questions and inquiries can be directed to the search chairs: Thomas E. Curry (tecurry@uky.edu) or Kevin J. Pearson (kevin.pearson@uky.edu). All applications will be handled in a secure, sensitive, and confidential manner.

The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will begin on Jan. 14, 2026. Please submit by this date to ensure full consideration.

For questions, contact Sabrina Brewer at sabrina.brewer@uky.eduSkills / Knowledge / AbilitiesIdeal Candidate Experience and Attributes:

• A strong visionary and inspirational leader who conveys a long-term vision for the center and is skilled at implementing a detailed plan to achieve that vision. Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect, and honesty; a professional and personal commitment to integrity, graciousness, humility, genuineness, empathy, and sincerity; and a passion for the organization's mission and objectives.
• Exceptionally team-oriented with strong communication skills; skilled at working well and partnering with scientists across the college and University to identify, build, and negotiate "win-win" relationships and collaborations; politically astute yet apolitical with an ability to break down silos and ensure a collegial and productive work environment.
• Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to make well-informed and timely decisions when needed, while at the same time creating unity within a broad center comprising faculty from several departments.
• Able to conceptualize and analyze complex business and development opportunities and to understand the finances of an academic research center and apply that knowledge to manage all aspects of the center appropriately.
• Actively develop the center's mission, strategies, and practices to enhance productivity in the workplace.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and sustainable partnerships through research, institutional initiatives, and service.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? YesPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to ApplyOpen Until FilledYesOur University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you first see this position advertised?
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • AAMC.org
   • Indeed.com
   • LinkedIn.com
   • UK Physician Recruiter
   • Current Resident or Fellow
   • A Colleague, Friend and/or Family Member (Please specify below.)
   • Recruiter or Search Firm (Please specify below.)
   • Other (Please specify below.)
2. * Please provide additional details about how you first heard about this position.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vita
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PI280915351