Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY:

Graduate studies at Saint Louis University School of Medicine comprise a range of programs including research intensive programs, clinical training and postbaccalaureate degrees.  The Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs at Saint Louis University School of Medicine is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and advancing the graduate and postdoctoral training programs within the School of Medicine. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Medical School and Vice President for Medical Affairs, the Associate Dean will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic environment for graduate and postdoctoral trainees, ensuring excellence in education, mentorship, and professional development.

JOB DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Dean, department chairs, and other senior administrators to develop and implement a strategic plan for graduate education that aligns with the overall mission and goals of the School of Medicine.
• Provide visionary leadership to enhance the quality, diversity, and impact of graduate and postdoctoral training programs.
• Work with the University Office of Graduate Education and serve as the graduate education liaison between the University and the School of Medicine.

Reporting Relationships

Direct reports to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs:

• Director of Anesthesiologist Assistant Master of Science (MS) program
• Director of MS in Medical Science postbaccalaureate program
• Director of Biomedical Sciences Core program

Joint reports for program directors embedded in departments (dotted line):

• Basic Science programs
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD
  • Pharmacology and Physiology PhD
  • Molecular Microbiology and Immunology PhD
• MS and PhD in Anatomy
• MS in Health Data Science and PhD in Health Outcomes Research
• PhD in Medical Family Therapy and MA in Couple and Family Therapy

Academic Program Oversight

• Oversee graduate education curricula ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, program evaluation, and emerging trends in graduate education.
• Work closely with program directors and faculty to evaluate & enhance existing programs and develop new graduate programs.

Administrative Oversight

• Oversee administrative processes for graduate students within the SOM.
  • Oversee operations of graduate programs management, including decisions on waiver requests, student appeals, extension of time to degree, etc.
  • Provide leadership and oversight of the graduate admissions process; including working with north campus on admissions operations (the Slate admissions portal, etc.)
  • Convene committee of graduate faculty in response to student grievances and appeals process.
  • Collaborate with department specific programs and the Graduate Programs Advisory Council to oversee policies and procedures for graduate education within SOM.
• Ensure compliance of administrative processes, including recruitment and onboarding.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accrediting standards, and regulatory requirements including Higher Learning Commission standards.
• Ensure alignment with university graduate education activities of the office of the provost.
• Provide an effective communication system for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Supervise the Graduate Assistantship budget and allocation of SOM-funded graduate assistantships to departments. 
• Graduate and Postdoctoral Trainee Support and Development
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, promoting their academic and professional development.
• Support student recruitment, retention, wellness, professional development, and graduation rates across diverse backgrounds.
• Facilitate programming on career development for trainees.
• Serve as a support resource and work with the Office of Professional Oversight to address situations of mistreatment or unprofessionalism.
• Develop graduate student initiatives for wellbeing and student success in collaboration with the medical school’s Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Oversee annual graduate student satisfaction and needs surveys.
• Oversee graduation activities for graduate students.
• Plan and oversee graduate student orientation.

Faculty Development

• Work with the Office of Faculty Affairs to manage graduate faculty status at the School of Medicine.
• Support faculty in their roles as mentors and advisors to graduate students, promoting effective and culturally aware mentorship practices.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for faculty involved in graduate and postdoctoral trainee education and career progression.

Research and Scholarship

• Promote a culture of research excellence among learners in the research environment, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research projects.
• Support efforts to secure external funding for graduate student research, graduate assistantships, postdoctoral fellowships, and scholarly activities.

Engagement and Partnerships

• Cultivate partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including University departments and leadership, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and industry partners, to enhance education and career opportunities.
• Represent the medical school in relevant professional associations and conferences.
• Serve as an advocate for graduate education within the medical school and broader academic community.
• Promote the achievements and impact of graduate students and programs through various communication channels.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Substantial (ideally 5 or more years) experience in academic leadership roles in graduate education or postdoctoral affairs within a medical school or university.
• Demonstrated success in curriculum development, academic program management, curriculum assessment and review, and/or strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and ability to navigate multiple administrative environments.
• A commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in graduate education.

Applicants must include:

1) a cover letter

2) a resume/curriculum vitae

3) vision statement including leadership philosophy and education philosophy

4) DEI statement

5) contact details for references from at least 3 colleagues.

You can upload these items on the third page "My experience" of the application.  To ensure full consideration, please submit all application materials by January 18, 2025.

Function

Faculty - Medical Administrative Appointment

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.