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ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
Number of Vacancies
1
Location
McAllen, Texas
Department
School of Optometry
FTE
1.0
FLSA
Exempt
Scope of Job
The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (ADR) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Optometry has an essential role in the school and is responsible for overseeing all research operations to include faculty and student research and graduate program. This position is integral to the establishment and management of the optometry program’s research and scholarly endeavors. The ADR will help establish a research program designed to focus on clinical and translational research for faculty and students. The ADR will develop and monitor research operations, policy, compliance, and the graduate program. The ADR will work closely with the Dean of School of Optometry and the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations in developing the mission, goals and objectives of the school, as they relate to research. In addition, they will work with the entire executive team of the UTRGV School of Optometry in developing policies and procedures for the school. The ADR will also be the liaison to the UTRGV Division of Research and foster collaborations within the university.
Description of Duties
- Oversees and guides all research functions at UTRGV School of Optometry.
- Designs, develops, manages, and provides oversight of graduate education, including supporting student-led research.
- Provides guidance on research and monitor compliance. Develops research policies and procedures that complement the mission, goals, and objectives of the UTRGV School of Optometry and UTRGV.
- Implements and executes the research program.
- Assumes the responsibilities of the Dean in the absence of the Dean of School of Optometry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for School of Optometry.
- Assists in recruitment, retention and development of faculty members.
- Delivers administrative guidance to faculty clinical committees with regards to research and scholarly activities.
- Prepares data regarding the school’s research program to accreditation agencies and the Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
- Serves as liaison to research related committees locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to help with the integration of the didactic and clinical programs.
- Provides oversight of research budgetary requests and daily budget review and work closely with the School Administrator to ensure fiscal responsibility of the research.
- The Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies will be assigned classroom teaching duties duties on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry.
- The ADR will serve on the Dean’s Cabinet providing executive input on the direction of the School of Optometry.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received
General supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given
Direct supervision of assigned staff.
Required Education
Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in a Vision Science or related field.
Preferred Education
Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from an ACOE-accredited institution or a clinical equivalent.
Licenses/Certifications
None.
Required Experience
- Five (5) years of demonstrated health professional school and/or academic leadership experience in higher education, with a preference for leadership experience in research.
- Solid understanding of the profession of Optometry and the discipline of Vision Science and their role in research.
- Comprehensive administrative skills including attention to detail, communication, supervision, and fiscal responsibility.
- Experience in collaborative research projects.
- Expertise in higher education teaching and background.
- Record of grant funding.
- Track record of consistent research publications.
Preferred Experience
None.
Equipment
Use of standard office equipment.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Work is performed in a general office and research environment. Some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other
Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category
Full-Time
Minimum Salary
Posted Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date
06/01/2026
Grant Funded Position
No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Social Security Number *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .
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