Department Chair of Sociomedical Sciences

The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health invites nominations and applications for the role of Stephen Smith Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociomedical Sciences (SMS). One of the nation's leading departments focused on the social and structural determinants of health, SMS has built an international reputation for interdisciplinary scholarship, innovative education, and impactful research that advances public health theory, policy, and practice. Reporting directly to the Dean and serving as a member of the School's leadership team, the Chair will lead a department that is widely recognized for its contributions to understanding how social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors shape health and health equity and the development and evaluation of interventions that address these factors.

The next Chair will join the Department at a particularly exciting moment. As public health challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected, SMS is uniquely positioned to leverage its disciplinary breadth, methodological rigor, and longstanding commitment to community-engaged scholarship to drive innovation across research, education, and public health practice. Building on a distinguished history of intellectual leadership and societal impact, the Chair will have the opportunity to help shape the future of sociomedical science while contributing to the broader strategic priorities of Columbia Mailman and Columbia University.

The successful candidate will be a distinguished scholar and respected academic leader with a demonstrated record of scientific achievement, substantial extramural funding, and a commitment to advancing knowledge related to the social and structural determinants of health. They will bring an ability to build partnerships, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, support outstanding faculty and students, strengthen employee teams, and navigate the opportunities and challenges facing research-intensive academic institutions. Most importantly, the next Chair will recognize the unique strengths of sociomedical sciences and inspire the Department to continue advancing innovative scholarship that improves public health and informs policy and practice around the world.

The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. It has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to help with this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. The anticipated compensation for this role is $325,000-$375,000.

Stephanie Fidel is leading this search with Jasmine Miller and Maria Peña.