Position Details:

The Graduate Program Director for the Anatomical Sciences Doctoral Program serves as the academic and administrative leader for the program, reporting directly to the Division Chief for Biomedical Sciences. The Director also collaborates closely with the Vice Dean for Faculty of Graduate Programs to ensure alignment with university-wide graduate policies, procedures, and curricular approval processes.

In this leadership role, the Program Director oversees the Burnett School of Medicine’s PhD in Anatomical Sciences, an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to develop highly qualified scholars and innovators in the anatomical sciences. The program offers two distinct pathways—Anatomical Science Education and Anatomical Science Technology and Innovation—allowing students to tailor their training after completing the core curriculum.

The Graduate Program Director plays a vital role in shaping and advancing the program’s academic vision. They guide the development and continuous improvement of the curriculum to uphold rigorous academic standards, foster critical thinking, and promote mastery in analysis, synthesis, and application of specialized knowledge. Through this leadership, the Director ensures that graduates are fully prepared for impactful careers in academic teaching, applied research, scholarship, and industry innovation.

Duties and Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of the PhD in Anatomical Sciences curriculum.
• Promote the quality and currency of the curriculum, learning resources, and learning opportunities.
• Guide the course and program assessment processes, including review and approval by university curriculum committees and accreditation by external agencies.
• Recruit students into the program.
• Responsible for admission review and acceptance of students into the program following program/department policies. Regularly review retention, progression, and graduation of students according to defined university, department, and program requirements.
• Coordinate the development, revision, and dissemination of program policies, procedures, and guidelines in accordance with those of the department, college, and university.
• Coordinate with the department chair/division chief to recruit and mentor faculty into the program.
• Coordinate the advisement process for or directly advise students regarding curricular progression, program and university policies and procedures, and career options.
• Oversee maintenance of program documents, records, and web sites for currency and accuracy.
• Provide program expertise to marketing and university admissions for promoting the program and recruiting students.
• In coordination with the Associate Dean for Research the position is responsible for actively pursuing and securing extramural funding to support research, scholarly, and programmatic activities.
• Fulfill other duties associated with individual graduate programs which may include:
  • Establishing and monitoring internship contracts and placements.
  • Mentoring program faculty.
  • Conducting advisory board meetings.
  • Overseeing program awards and recognitions.
  • Overseeing program related grants.
  • Establishing community collaborations.
• Additional responsibilities may be added by the department chairperson/division chief with the approval of the college dean.

Required Education and Experience:

• PhD in anatomical sciences or related biomedical sciences.
• Experience with teaching graduate students, scholarship, and graduate program management.
• Track record of research in the Anatomical Sciences.
• Must qualify for Associate Professor rank or above at the Burnett School of Medicine.
• Eligible for Core Graduate Faculty Status with the Burnett School of Medicine.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and related biomedical disciplines.
• Awareness of current trends, research, and educational best practices in anatomical sciences education.
• Ability to apply data-informed program management principles - understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting related to program evaluation and accreditation.
• Ability to serve as the program’s public and academic face to internal and external audiences, including executive leadership, accrediting bodies, boards, and professional organizations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data collection and analysis software.
• Competence in managing multiple academic projects, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining records and compliance documentation.
• Ability to adapt to change and respond to evolving educational standards, technological advances, and institutional priorities.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily indoors and sedentary, with flexibility in scheduling to accommodate researchers and student needs.
• No harmful environmental conditions are associated with this position.
• The role may require occasional evening or weekend availability for programs or events.

School/College Description:

The Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth’s M.D. school, opened with a class of 60 students in July 2019. The School of Medicine’s focus on communication, a first-of-its-kind curriculum and the development of Empathetic Scholars™ uniquely positions the organization to radically transform medical education, improving care for future generations.

University & Fort Worth Description:

ABOUT TCU

Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University sits on 302 acres nestled in a primarily residential part of Fort Worth, just minutes away from downtown. The University includes seven schools and colleges, in addition to the John V. Roach Honors College and the Burnett School of Medicine.

Currently, TCU enrolls more than 10,200 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students. Twenty-eight percent of students self-identify as a member of a minority group, five percent are international students, and forty-five percent are from out-of-state. Our students are supported by more than 2,200 faculty and staff. The University has more than 700 full-time faculty members and is a top 100 National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.

ABOUT FORT WORTH

Like TCU, Fort Worth has the approachable, friendly charm of a smaller town, but offers the amenities, cultural activities, diversity and unique personality of a much larger city. Fort Worth, Texas, is the 13th largest city in the United States with an ever-growing population nearing 1 million. Fort Worth and TCU have grown together in a nearly 150-year relationship. You’ll find that many Horned Frogs remain here after graduation, thanks to the region’s thriving job market. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the number 1 tourist destination in Texas. In 2018, bizjournals.com ranked Fort Worth the 7th most affordable city to live and work in the United States and U.S. News and World Report named Fort Worth one of the Best Places to Live. Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington all rank among the top 25 most diverse cities in the country.

Fort Worth is known for its vast array of cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. The city boasts three world class art museums—the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the premier performance venues in the country. Concerts, film festivals and other events are held regularly at Sundance Square, Panther Island and Near Southside venues.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.