POSITION OVERVIEW

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) seeks a distinguished Geriatrics Clinician Scientist to join the Division of Geriatrics within the Department of Internal Medicine, with a primary appointment at the Sealy Center on Aging. This is a research-intensive position dedicated to advancing the science of aging-in-place through innovative clinical research, extramural funding acquisition, and mentorship of the next generation of geriatric researchers. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center and the Texas Healthy Aging & Technology Initiative, contributing to UTMB's national leadership in aging research and technology-enabled solutions for older adults. Exceptionally qualified candidates who meet or exceed the required qualifications may be considered for appointment to an endowed professorship, reflecting UTMB's commitment to recruiting and retaining world-class aging researchers.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) stands at an exciting crossroads of growth and transformation. As we continue Moving Medicine Forward, our focus is on advancing our tripartite mission – delivering high-value care, driving research, innovation, and cultivating excellence in medical education.

Our team is redefining what it means to deliver care in an academic setting – where access efficiency, discovery, and quality outcomes go hand in hand. We are investing in people, processes, and technology to create an environment where collaboration thrives, and every role contributes to advancing medicine.

With more than 140 faculty and 46 Advanced Practice Providers – and growing – the Department of Medicine is committed to fostering excellence across all mission areas. We are seeking faculty who share our passion for innovation, value the power of collaboration, and want to be a part of shaping the future of healthcare at UTMB.

DIVISON OVERVIEW

The Division of Geriatrics at UTMB is dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults through excellence in clinical care, education, and research. With 8 faculty, 8 advanced practice providers and 2 to 4 fellows per year, the Division provides comprehensive geriatric care across diverse settings, including ambulatory clinics, inpatient consult services, long-term care facilities, and the home environment through our House Call Program.

The House Call Program is a cornerstone of the Division’s mission—delivering compassionate, high-quality care to homebound older adults. This innovative program enables faculty and trainees to provide continuity of care, promote aging in place, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations by addressing the complex medical, functional, and social needs of each patient.

The Division also leads UTMB’s Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit, a dedicated inpatient program designed to optimize outcomes for hospitalized older adults. The ACE Unit integrates a multidisciplinary approach—combining the expertise of physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and social workers—to promote functional recovery, prevent complications, and ensure smooth transitions of care.

In addition to its clinical excellence, the Division is committed to training the next generation of geriatricians through its ACGME-accredited Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, which offers robust inpatient and outpatient experiences, exposure to interdisciplinary care models, and mentorship from nationally recognized faculty. The Division also plays a vital role in medical education at all levels, integrating geriatric principles into the curriculum for medical students and residents across specialties.

Research and scholarly activity are integral to the Division’s work, with ongoing projects focused on healthy aging, dementia care, falls prevention, polypharmacy, and healthcare delivery innovations. The Division partners closely with the Sealy Center on Aging, creating a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and discovery.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Leadership (80-85%25)

• Design, implement, and lead independent clinical research programs examining aging-in-place interventions, with particular emphasis on technology-enabled solutions, home-based care models, and community support systems.

• Generate competitive grant applications and secure substantial extramural funding from federal agencies (NIH/NIA, PCORI, AHRQ, NSF), foundations, and industry partners.

•  Contribute to the research infrastructure and scientific priorities of the UTMB Pepper Center, including participation in pilot project review, core utilization, and collaborative research initiatives.

• Advance the mission of the Texas Healthy Aging & Technology Initiative through research on innovative technologies that support independence and quality of life for older adults.

•  Publish high-impact research findings in premier peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international scientific conferences.

• Establish and maintain productive collaborations with interdisciplinary teams across UTMB and with external academic, industry, and community partners.

Mentorship & Academic Development (10-15%25)

• Mentor junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees in research design, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and career development.

•  Serve as primary mentor or co-mentor on career development awards (K awards, T32 positions).

• Contribute to the training mission of the Pepper Center by engaging with scholars and pilot project investigators.

• Participate in educational activities for medical students, residents, and fellows as appropriate.

Service & Leadership (5%25)

• Serve on institutional committees related to aging research, technology innovation, or research infrastructure.

• Contribute to peer review activities for journals and funding agencies.

• Engage in professional service at regional and national levels, including scientific societies focused on aging and geriatrics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
Education & Training

• MD, DO, PhD, DrPH, DPT, OTD, DNP or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field (geriatrics, gerontology, health services research, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines).
• Advanced training through fellowship, postdoctoral research, or equivalent experience in aging research

Research Excellence

• Exceptional track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, demonstrating sustained productivity and scholarly impact.
• Proven success in securing extramural funding as principal investigator, with demonstrated ability to compete for NIH or equivalent federal funding.
• Expertise in clinical research methodologies relevant to aging populations (e.g., clinical trials, pragmatic trials, implementation science, mixed methods, or technology evaluation).
• Research focus aligned with aging-in-place, home-based interventions, technology applications for older adults, or related areas.

Mentorship & Leadership
 

• Documented experience successfully mentoring junior investigators, trainees, or students in research.
• Evidence of mentees' career advancement, publications, or independent funding success.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.

Professional Competencies
 

• Excellent grant writing and scientific communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Commitment to advancing health equity and addressing disparities in aging populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Pepper Center activities, NIA-funded research networks, or similar aging research infrastructure.
• Expertise in health technology assessment, digital health interventions, or assistive technology for older adults.
• Established national reputation in geriatrics or gerontology research.
• Experience with community-engaged research or partnerships with aging services organizations.
• Track record of successful interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., engineering, computer science, social sciences).
• Active involvement in professional societies such as the American Geriatrics Society or Gerontological Society of America.

Salary Range:

Commensurate with experience.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.