Chief, Division of Hematology Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Dept. of Medicine, Pittsburgh

Chief, Division of Hematology Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) and Department of Medicine, part of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, seek a transformative leader to serve as Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology (“Division”) and Professor of Medicine with tenure. An Endowed Chair is also available for the qualified candidate. The successful candidate will lead the division of Hematology/Oncology and build on the excellence of our 66 member faculty, representing 16 specialties, in meeting our clinical, educational, and research missions. The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center treats over 41,000 new adult and pediatric cancer cases annually. It is the academic and research hub within the expansive UPMC HCC network of 71 clinical sites, 28 of which participate in over 500 cancer clinical trials across Western PA, including the primary research sites in Pittsburgh (UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital).

With over 300 members from across the University of Pittsburgh, the Hillman Cancer Center comprises seven research programs in basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences, 12 shared resources that receive funding from our NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (https://hillmanresearch.upmc.edu/research/) and a funding base exceeding $125 million. In 2019, the University of Pittsburgh ranked #6 in overall NIH funding, and the UPMC HCC scored in the Exceptional range on its recently renewed NCI P30 CCSG. The Division also houses an NCI T32 grant, and newly renewed UM1/U24 phase I grants and NCTN LAPS UG1 grants. Newly initiated collaborative integration of activities between HCC and the NSABP, based in Pittsburgh, provide exciting opportunities for driving clinical research in breast and GI cancers.

We seek a demonstrated and innovative leader with Hematology/Oncology leadership experience in a division, program, and/or institute of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, with a proven track record of success in the role. The successful candidate will:

• Be recognized as a leader and innovator in the field of medical oncology.
• Be an established independent investigator with interdisciplinary NCI-funded translational research.
• Have a proven track record of managing clinical trials as a PI and clinical trials operations at an institutional level.
• Have a long-standing track record of significant publications and extramural grant funding.
• Have a strong record in management, teaching, and mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members.
• Have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. 

Position Responsibilities

• Recruit nationally recognized leaders in medical oncology and translational cancer research.
• Develop innovative approaches to cancer research and treatment.
• With the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Director and senior leadership, advance and implement the Hillman Cancer Center strategic plan and integrate with that of the Division of Hematology/Oncology.
• Direct overall faculty management of the Division by expanding and enhancing clinical research programs, integrating and coordinating care delivery throughout the Division and across the health system, and assessing the feasibility of new programs, products, and services.
• Facilitate extensive collaborations with departments in the school of medicine and other disciplines across the university and cancer center is expected. 
• Develop and implement programmatic goals for the Division, including leading and managing performance improvement activities.
• Monitor critical clinical success factors for the Division, including financial indicators, customer satisfaction, quality, and compliance with goals.
• Monitor faculty productivity with respect to research, publications, peer-reviewed extramural funding, and active participation in enrolling patients to clinical trials.
• Serve as key contact point for faculty issues related to the Division by regularly interacting and communicating with Hillman Cancer Center senior leadership, clinical and research leadership, physician clinical and research operations, system quality improvement and other service and department leaders.
• Establish, coordinate, and maintain an organizational structure which promotes multi-disciplinary collaborative practices, participatory involvement, innovation, fiscal accountability, strategic planning and development, outcome-focused goal setting, adequate and effective resource allocation, community involvement, and customer service.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to promote the recruitment, retention, professional development, scholarly activity, and continuing education of Division faculty.
• Serve as mentor to clinicians and researchers of all stages in Division when appropriate.
• Oversee the development of the Division’s annual academic operating budget, develop cost containment strategies, and monitor the disbursements and generation of funds in the Division on an ongoing basis.
• Participate in Hillman Cancer Center and Department of Medicine research and clinical activities, residency and fellowship training, and participate in tumor boards.

Required Qualifications

• MD or equivalent degree from an accredited professional school.
• Board certified in Medical Oncology and eligible to obtain a license to practice medicine in PA.
• Qualifications to achieve Professor with tenure academic rank at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Five (5) or more years contributing to leadership of clinical operations with a successful track record demonstrating increased strategic responsibility in a complex, academic healthcare organization
• Leadership roles in professional organizations.
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, sustainable partnering relationships.
• Demonstrated experience working with and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and trainee environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member.

Located in the city of Pittsburgh (routinely ranked as one of the top most livable and affordable U.S. cities), the Hillman Cancer Center (previously known as the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute) is an exceptionally rated, NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving a catchment area of 29 Western Pennsylvania counties that provides unique opportunities to collaborate with clinical and translational research programs involved in cancer patient care.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and your curriculum vitae to Hillman Director, Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, care of: thompsonla3@upmc.edu. Please reference “Division Chief” in your application. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, following the receipt of all required materials. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity, EOE, including disability/vets.

Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD

Director, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
c/o Lola Thompson, 5150 Centre Avenue, Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

412-623-3205