Job Description & Qualifications
The Director, Basic & Translational Research will lead Basic and Translational Research Efforts in the Wesley Center. They will be working in close collaboration with the Director of the Wesley Center to develop Research initiatives that have the potential to lead to Innovative Clinical Trials conducted by the Wesley Center as part of Seidman Cancer Center and in close collaboration with Case Western Reserve University. The Director, Basic & Translational Research will partner with the Director of the Wesley Center to translate pre-clinical initiatives into IND enabled clinical trials. The Director Basic and Translational Research will be closely involved with operational and technical issues related to all day-to-day laboratory operations as conducted at the Wesley Center. They will partner with the laboratory Director of the UH Stem Cell Lab and of NCRM (the National Center for Regenerative Medicine). They will be the holder of the Wesley Endowed Chair.
What You Will Do
- Leads and direct day-to-day operations of the Research and Translational Laboratory efforts at Wesley Center.
- Develops a portfolio of basic and translational research initiatives with the potential for clinical applications in cancer and related disciplines
- Submits at least two (2) major extramural grant applications (e.g., NIH R01 or equivalent) by the end of Year 2 and demonstrates competitive funding status by Year 3, including receipt of a major award and/or achievement of a fundable or near-fundable score
- Publishes least (2) senior or corresponding author peer-reviewed manuscripts by the end of Year 3 in journals with an impact factor greater than 5
- Demonstrates of an active and sustainable publication pipeline aligned with the mission of SCC
- Partners in collaboration with Director of Wesley Center with investigators and clinicians to assess feasibility and translate preclinical concepts into executable clinical manufacturing and processing strategies.
- Works closely with the Director of the Wesley Center and other stakeholders to translate pre-clinical initiatives into IND enabled clinical trials.
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
- PhD or MD degree in Biology, biochemistry or related field (Required)
Work Experience
- 10+ years Evidence of sustained funding from NIH or comparable for a period of at least ten years in areas relating to cellular therapy, molecular biology, gene therapy or related. (Required) and
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing personnel, operations and budgets (Required)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements relevant to cellular therapy (FACT, cGMP, FDA, CLIA) (Required proficiency)
Physical Demands
- Standing Occasionally
- Walking Occasionally
- Sitting Constantly
- Lifting Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Carrying Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pushing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pulling Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Climbing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Balancing Rarely
- Stooping Rarely
- Kneeling Rarely
- Crouching Rarely
- Crawling Rarely
- Reaching Rarely
- Handling Occasionally
- Grasping Occasionally
- Feeling Rarely
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Frequently
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently
Travel Requirements
- 10%
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
University Hospitals is a national leader in healthcare that takes pride in calling Northeast Ohio home. With more than 150 locations throughout Cleveland and the surrounding metropolitan areas, UH provides unique opportunities to deliver world-class care in the communities where our employees live, work, and play.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










