University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) seeks an exceptional leader and visionary scientist to serve as Director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care (CDRC) within the Department of Psychiatry. 

This appointment comes at a pivotal time in the Center’s evolution, as it expands its multidisciplinary research enterprise, strengthens integration with clinical care across the health system, and advances a more distributed, multi-investigator model. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of a nationally recognized center dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression. 

Founded in 2015, the CDRC is a nationally recognized leader in translational depression research, with a particular strength in biomarker-driven diagnostics and innovative therapeutic development. Its work spans brain- and blood-based approaches, novel treatments for depression and suicide, and research that integrates clinical care and patient outcomes. Beyond discovery, the CDRC has translated science into action, building evidence-based programs that reach adolescents and communities, fostering resilience, and opening critical conversations around mental health. Its expanding network of research and community partnerships reflects a deep commitment to delivering impact beyond the academic setting and advancing mental well-being across Texas and beyond. 

The Director will lead the CDRC through its next phase by continuing to conduct high impact research while strengthening integration across research, clinical care, and community programs. In partnership with the Department and institutional leadership, the Director will drive programmatic growth, secure external funding, and position the CDRC as a leading platform for national prominence and broader impact while ensuring long-term sustainability. 

UT Southwestern offers a highly integrated environment for this work, combining leading-edge research, clinical care, and education within a highly collaborative academic medical center. Its faculty includes members of the National Academy of Sciences and Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, and Nobel laureates; UTSW is an ecosystem where innovation thrives and collaboration drives breakthroughs. The Department of Psychiatry and affiliated health system offer a broad and integrated clinical network spanning hospitals, community settings, and outreach programs, creating a strong platform for advancing translational research and improving outcomes in depression care. 

The ideal candidate is an internationally recognized clinical or translational research leader with a strong record of successful research funding, mentorship, collaborative leadership style, and the vision to guide complex, multidisciplinary programs. Candidates should hold an MD, DO (or equivalent), or PhD, with eligibility for appointment at the full professor level.

This is an opportunity to lead a nationally prominent center through its next phase of growth, advancing translational research and strengthening the integration of discovery, clinical care, and community impact to improve outcomes in depression at scale. It also offers the chance to shape the future of depression research and care and to deliver meaningful impact for patients and communities. 

Applications should include 1) a curriculum vitae and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, as well as the applicant’s motivation to apply.