As part of strategic planning, the Clinical Sciences (CS) Core of the Third Coast CFAR has decided to undertake a mentored leadership transition. After eight years of serving as the founding director of the CS Core, Babafemi Taiwo, MBBS, will step back from this role in 2024 and serve as a mentor to the next leaders. The CFAR leadership thanks Dr. Taiwo for his exceptional dedication to the CFAR and support of many highly productive early stage investigators.  

Background

The CS Core provides a broad range of services to CFAR members from all HIV research disciplines. As part of the Center’s renewal application, the CS Core will expand its portfolio to include support for population health research and advanced quantitative methods. 

Activities and Support

We invite interested CFAR members to apply for the role of Core Director or Co-Director, with the appointment being determined by CFAR leadership. Directors and Co-Directors provide vision and leadership for the CS Core. This includes overseeing allocation of core resources, writing the core progress report and renewal application, ensuring progress toward the core’s aims, as well as providing core services to projects and proposals that advance CFAR priorities, with the support of core co-investigators and staff.

The director or co-directors lead monthly core meetings and work with the core manager to plan the agenda. Using a priority project list, CFAR member surveys, and through regular communication with constituents, core directors and co-directors identify user needs and work to address them through core services, consultations, and special initiatives. Each year as part of RPPR preparation, core leaders should set goals for the coming year and present them to CFAR leadership for feedback and coordination across cores.

Candidates 

Applicants must be mid-career and above with experience leading major HIV research grants (i.e., R01 or equivalent) as a Principal Investigator. Faculty from all areas of HIV science whose expertise fits with the CS Core’s mission to advance clinical and population health research are encouraged to apply.  

Support will be commensurate with the level of activity. The start date is flexible and can be worked out with CFAR and CS Core leadership. 

Application Process

Please submit your CV and letter of interest to Angel Aviña, CS Core manager, at angel.avina@northwestern.edu by November 13, 2023. The letter should describe the skills and experience you will bring to the CS Core, as well as a brief summary of your vision for the CS Core. 

The Third Coast CFAR strives for inclusivity in leadership roles. In appointing Core leaders, the CFAR Steering Committee considers, in addition to research record, balance across institutions, scientific expertise, and social background.