The Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is seeking a highly-qualified translational or clinical researcher in Lung Cancer and Thoracic Malignancies for the Knight Cancer Institute.  

 

The successful candidate will ensure the university’s mission and goals of research, patient care, teaching, outreach, and public service are met. Keys for the successful candidate shall include being a Clinical or translational physician-investigator with the intellectual vision to develop and expand lung cancer research at the Knight Cancer Institute.

 

This position is eligible for an endowment from the Wayne D. & Joan E. Kuni Foundation. The successful applicant for this position will be nominated for this endowment, subject to OHSU policies governing such appointments, including length and term of the appointment, and subject to approval by the Dean of the School of Medicine and the OHSU Provost.

The Endowed Chair will serve as a prominent physician-investigator and strategic leader tasked with driving the clinical, translational, and research expansion of the Thoracic, Head & Neck Oncology program. Backed by immediate access to substantial endowment funding, the incoming Chair will bridge the Knight Cancer Institute's appetite for cutting-edge innovation with a scalable vision—expanding OHSU’s regional market footprint, elevating its national research prominence, and accelerating the delivery of next-generation therapies to patients.

 

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Programmatic Expansion (50% Allocation)

• Co-Direct the Comprehensive Lung Program: In collaboration with the thoracic program director, formulate and execute a cohesive, long-term strategic plan for the Thoracic, Head & Neck service line across the Knight Cancer Institute.
• Cultivate Institutional Collaborations: Break down silos by building robust partnerships between basic science laboratories, translational research teams, and clinical operations to elevate the program to national prominence.
• Drive Clinical & Trial Growth: Coordinate closely with health system executives and community partners to scale clinical operations, optimize patient referral pathways, and expand the portfolio of open clinical trials.
• Financial & Resource Stewardship: Manage assigned endowment funds, divisional research space, and program budgets sustainably, aligning resource allocation with high-impact scientific and clinical targets.

2. Clinical Excellence & Patient Care

• Provide exceptional, patient-centered care for individuals with lung, thoracic, and head/neck malignancies.
• Maintain a dedicated clinical presence in alignment with Division and Institute objectives, modeling best practices in multidisciplinary, complex tumor board navigation.

3. Research, Scholarship & Innovation

• Establish an Innovative Portfolio: Maintain a distinguished, actively funded clinical or translational research program focused on the causes, early detection, or treatment of thoracic and head/neck cancers.
• Advance Clinical Research: Commit a minimum of 50% of programmatic efforts to expanding the investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trial portfolio.

• Serve as a principal investigator or mentor on major institutional grants, fostering a culture of peer-reviewed publication and continuous scientific discovery.

4. Education, Mentorship & Public Service

• Actively participate in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, and hematology/oncology fellows in accordance with guidelines from the Curriculum Committee and Department Chair.
• Champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, trainees, and patients.
• Represent OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute on national committees, advisory councils, and via consultative outreach to non-university public health groups.
• Position Qualifications & Competencies

 

The role includes a balanced portfolio of clinical care, research, teaching, and inpatient service responsibilities.

• MD, MD/Ph.D., or equivalent
• Must qualify for the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor at OHSU
• M.D. board certification in medical oncology
• Eligibility to obtain a license to practice medicine in Oregon

The ideal candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with a strong record of scientific achievement and program development. Key attributes include:

• National or international recognition in lung cancer research, with a strong publication and funding record
• Demonstrated success leading clinical and/or translational research programs
• Experience designing and conducting clinical trials
• Proven ability to build or expand programs within an NCI-designated cancer center
• Commitment to multidisciplinary, patient-centered care
• Excellence in clinical practice
• Strong leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills
• Experience with programmatic growth, financial stewardship, and strategic planning
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine

As an OHSU faculty member, you will have access to robust, competitive benefits for well-being and peace of mind. Packages include medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid time off, multiple retirement options, participation in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, wellness support, and more. 

 

You’ll also find a commitment to belonging. OHSU welcomes diverse people and ideas, and we foster a culture that is inclusive, equitable, and accepting of all. We aim to help you: 

 

• Feel supported. 
• Explore well-being programs and resources. 
• Connect with colleagues to share and build knowledge. 
• Find fulfillment by balancing work, life and community. 

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We are Oregon's only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu