The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking a dynamic, innovative, results-oriented, researcher in the area of addictions for the position of Director of the Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA), one of UNM’s premier research centers. The selected candidate will report directly to the Vice President for Research (VPR), and will become a tenured faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences with full academic year University salary support.

Established in 1989, CASAA has developed an outstanding international reputation as a center for research on the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders, adverse consequences of use, as well as related structural and cultural contexts. CASAA’s 80 staff, faculty, and affiliated members have the mission of generating, conveying, and applying knowledge to reduce the suffering related to addiction. This work is funded by extramural grants and contracts totaling more than $4.5 million annually.

A full description of the current research of CASAA-affiliated faculty is available at http://casaa.unm.edu. CASAA investigators have a long history of successful extramural support, including funding from NIH, as well as state and local agencies. CASAA also supports students at all levels in research and maintains an NIH Institutional Research Training Grant to support pre- and post-doctoral trainees. Finally, CASAA investigators support the research mission of the University through service on university-wide committees and by providing proposal-writing training through a formal annual seminar and individualized mentoring.

CASAA’s work is multidisciplinary and includes collaborations with multiple UNM Main Campus and Health Sciences Center departments as well as with investigators at institutions throughout the US and internationally. The ability to navigate the intricacies of a complex institutional environment is critical. CASAA researchers are leaders in one of UNM’s Research Grand Challenges (https://grandchallenges.unm.edu/three-grand-challenges/substance-use-disorders/ ), a University Presidential initiative. The Substance Use Disorders Grand Challenge brings together nearly 100 researchers and community partners in a strategic, coordinated and integrated approach to improve outcomes for communities within New Mexico and to advance UNM’s standing as a premier research university for substance use research innovation. The Grand Challenges initiative further enables researchers to work across disciplinary boundaries and provides institutional investments and support for pilot projects that will lead to additional extramural funding. CASAA also provides oversight and support to the Campus Office of Substance Abuse and Prevention.

The University of New Mexico is classified as a Carnegie Doctoral/Highest Research Activity University, and is also a Hispanic Serving Institution. UNM's eleven colleges and schools serve a diverse student population of over 26,000. As an R1 designated institution, UNM provides an excellent research environment and a unique demographic of superbly trained researchers.

The candidate’s research should complement or broaden the current CASAA research portfolio. Additional qualifications include an excellent publication record, good interpersonal and leadership skills, solid grant management experience, and willingness to assume limited responsibilities in the candidate’s home department. Departmental affiliation will be consistent with the candidate’s training and expertise; we envision that the successful candidate will have a record sufficient to merit appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank.

The successful candidate will:

• Be responsible for the scientific leadership of CASAA as well as oversight of administrative and financial operations
• Maintain an active program of externally funded research
• Prepare and implement a strategic vision and plan for CASAA
• Enhance and manage CASAA’s portfolio of external funding by facilitating and catalyzing the acquisition of grants and contracts awarded to CASAA faculty.
• Oversee the staff to ensure proper and efficient administration and execution of grants and contracts as well as unfunded research
• Fully integrate CASAA’s research mission with graduate and undergraduate educational programs across UNM
• Establish active collaborative research partnerships both within the University (with other departments, centers and institutes) and with strategic partners outside the university.
• Prepare, oversee and serve as the responsible agent for CASAA’s budget.
• Provide monthly operational and planning reports to the Vice President for Research and biannual reports to CASAA’s internal and external advisory boards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D., DrPH (or comparable terminal degree) in a field relevant to addictions research
• Rank of Associate or Full Professor (or equivalent if not currently employed in an academic setting
• Record of research publications in the addictions area
• Record of externally funded research as Principal Investigator in the addictions field
• Live in or be willing to relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico (see https://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ )

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a highly productive research setting ability to articulate a vision for the future of addictions research
• Record of sustained, independent, externally funded research in the addictions field
• Record of consistent, high-quality publications in the addictions and related fields
• Well-developed plan for continuing an active program of research
• Record of successfully recruiting and mentoring investigators
• Record of successfully mentoring and/or teaching students or trainees
• Record of engagement with and leadership in the addictions field through, for example, editorial service, service on federal review committees, service on advisory panels or in professional societies
• History of working collaboratively in partnership with colleagues across disciplines and/or institutions
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as, working with broadly diverse communities

Requested Application Materials

• Cover Letter that describes how the candidate’s background has prepared them for the position and addresses the preferred qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Professional references will be requested of all candidates considered for on-campus interviews

To apply, visit: https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/17807?c=unm. Best consideration date for applications: November 30, 2021, or until the position is filled

The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator.