Executive Director of the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research

Indiana University

  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Position DetailsTitle Executive Director of the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research
Specific Title
Appointment Type Tenure Track Faculty
Department IUSM - Dean's Office
Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis
Position SummaryIndiana University School of Medicine is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research. This scientific leadership opportunity will have the resources and support to propel forward the school's investigation of breast cancer. The Center will consolidate all existing clinical and research activities in the area of breast cancer under one umbrella, to accelerate breast cancer research across the spectrum from prevention to survivorship. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative leader to bring together clinicians, scientists and patient advocates to collaboratively pursue critical high impact research to reduce the burden of breast cancer in Indiana, the United States, and worldwide.Ample resources are already in place, including:
  • Exceptionally well supported disease focused Center, including annual support from the Vera Bradley Foundation
  • An endowed chair of $4 million from the Vera Bradley Foundation to be used at the discretion of the Director
  • A core of breast cancer researchers with expertise in radiation oncology, clinical oncology, surgery, immunology, genomics, pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, epidemiology and more.
  • Access to office and laboratory space in the Walther Hall research building with easy access to clinical space
  • IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI designated Cancer Center with more than 330 investigators who lead over 300 clinical trials for adult and pediatric cancers
  • Indiana University Health's statewide network of 16 hospitals
  • The Komen Tissue Bank, a longitudinal biorepository of over 5,000 breast tissue samples from healthy donors
  • The Indiana Collaborative Initiative for Talent Enrichment (INCITE), a partnership between IU School of Medicine and local, non-academic partners such as the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Eli Lilly and Co., Roche, Dow, Cook, BioCrossroads, IU Health and Eskenazi Health to attract top scientists
  • A variety of other research centers and institutes to develop collaborative research, including the Brown Center for Immunotherapy and the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. If you'd like to explore all of our research centers, please visit
.This position is ideal for a collaborative and transformational leader who have a nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program in breast cancer, focusing on areas such as biology, genomics, immunotherapy, drug discovery, survivorship, epidemiology, or behavioral research across the spectrum of breast cancer control. Additionally, candidates must have a strong publication record and a national reputation in breast cancer research, along with progressive leadership experience in academic medicine. Doctorate or Terminal degree is required. Minimum qualifications include an MD, PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent, and eligible for tenure based on academic credentials.IUSM is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of health sciences companies. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life - the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues, and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city and surrounding suburbs enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport that has been named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in Indy:
Basic Qualifications
  • Doctorate or Terminal degree is required. Minimum qualifications include an MD, PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent, and eligible for tenure based on academic credentials.
  • A nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program in breast cancer, with a focus on biology, genomics, immunotherapy, drug discovery, survivorship, epidemiology or behavioral research across the spectrum of breast cancer control
  • Strong publication record and national reputation in breast cancer research
  • Progressive leadership experience in academic medicine
Department Contact for QuestionsSenem Guler, MS, MSHRMAssociate Director of Faculty RecruitingFaculty Affairs and Professional DevelopmentIndiana University School of MedicineAdditional Qualifications
Special InstructionsApplications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that highlight the applicant's personal vision and relevant leadership experience.
Priority Application Review Deadline 08/07/2025
Expected Start Date
Posting Number IUSM-02236-2025

Indiana University