In this role, they will build upon the Department's nationally recognized excellence in vision research, anchored by a National Eye Institute (NEI) P30 Vision Research Core Facility (with shared resources in stem cell and organoid biology, gene editing, viral vector production, advanced microscopy, and animal phenotyping), a Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Challenge Grant, and well-equipped basic science laboratories. Reporting to the Department Chair and working closely with other departmental and institutional leaders, the Vice Chair will develop and implement a strategic plan for the continued growth of the Department's research enterprise, expand extramural funding and philanthropic support, recruit and mentor research faculty, and accelerate discoveries that advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disease.