The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
🇺🇸
McAllen, TX
🕑
Full-Time
💰
TBD
💻
Other
🗓️
March 16th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is hiring an Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the School of Optometry. This role oversees all research operations and the graduate program, develops research policies and compliance measures, and collaborates closely with school leadership to advance the school's research mission and goals.
Highlights
- Oversees and guides all research functions within the School of Optometry.
- Designs, manages, and provides oversight of graduate education and student research.
- Develops and monitors research policies, compliance, and budgetary responsibilities.
- Assumes leadership duties in the Dean's absence and participates in faculty recruitment and development.
- Prepares accreditation documentation and serves as liaison to local, regional, and national research committees.
- Participates in classroom teaching as directed by the Dean.
- Requires a Ph.D. in Vision Science or related field; Doctor of Optometry degree preferred.
- Five years of leadership experience in health professional or academic settings with demonstrated research expertise, including grant funding and publication record.
- Works closely with the Dean and Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations.
- Salary is commensurate with experience; position is full-time and exempt.
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY Full Description
Office Location
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Edinburg: (956)665-2451
Brownsville: (956) 882-8205
Office hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Staff Recruitment: careers@utrgv.edu
School of Medicine Recruitment: SOMCareers@utrgv.edu
Graduate Assistantships: assistantships@utrgv.edu
Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: cecs@utrgv.edu
College of Engineering & Computer Science: cecs@utrgv.edu
Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: cobe@utrgv.edu
College of Sciences Office of the Dean: cos@utrgv.edu
College of Education and P-16 Integration: cep@utrgv.edu
College of Fine Arts: cofa@utrgv.edu
College of Liberal Arts: liberalarts@utrgv.edu
Website: https://careers.utrgv.edu
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Social Security Number *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.
Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number | SRGV8859
Working Title | Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies - School of Optometry
Number of Vacancies | 1
Location | McAllen, Texas
Department | School of Optometry
FTE | 1.0
FLSA | Exempt
Scope of Job | The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (ADR) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Optometry has an essential role in the school and is responsible for overseeing all research operations to include faculty and student research and graduate program. This position is integral to the establishment and management of the optometry program’s research and scholarly endeavors. The ADR will help establish a research program designed to focus on clinical and translational research for faculty and students. The ADR will develop and monitor research operations, policy, compliance, and the graduate program. The ADR will work closely with the Dean of School of Optometry and the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations in developing the mission, goals and objectives of the school, as they relate to research. In addition, they will work with the entire executive team of the UTRGV School of Optometry in developing policies and procedures for the school. The ADR will also be the liaison to the UTRGV Division of Research and foster collaborations within the university.
Description of Duties | Oversees and guides all research functions at UTRGV School of Optometry. Designs, develops, manages, and provides oversight of graduate education, including supporting student-led research. Provides guidance on research and monitor compliance. Develops research policies and procedures that complement the mission, goals, and objectives of the UTRGV School of Optometry and UTRGV. Implements and executes the research program. Assumes the responsibilities of the Dean in the absence of the Dean of School of Optometry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for School of Optometry. Assists in recruitment, retention and development of faculty members. Delivers administrative guidance to faculty clinical committees with regards to research and scholarly activities. Prepares data regarding the school’s research program to accreditation agencies and the Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Serves as liaison to research related committees locally, regionally, and nationally. Works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to help with the integration of the didactic and clinical programs. Provides oversight of research budgetary requests and daily budget review and work closely with the School Administrator to ensure fiscal responsibility of the research. The Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies will be assigned classroom teaching duties duties on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry. The ADR will serve on the Dean’s Cabinet providing executive input on the direction of the School of Optometry. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received | General supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given | Direct supervision of assigned staff.
Required Education | Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in a Vision Science or related field.
Preferred Education | Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from an ACOE-accredited institution or a clinical equivalent.
Licenses/Certifications | None.
Required Experience | Five (5) years of demonstrated health professional school and/or academic leadership experience in higher education, with a preference for leadership experience in research. Solid understanding of the profession of Optometry and the discipline of Vision Science and their role in research. Comprehensive administrative skills including attention to detail, communication, supervision, and fiscal responsibility. Experience in collaborative research projects. Expertise in higher education teaching and background. Record of grant funding. Track record of consistent research publications.
Preferred Experience | None.
Equipment | Use of standard office equipment.
Working Conditions | Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Work is performed in a general office and research environment. Some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other | Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
Physical Capabilities | N/A
Employment Category | Full-Time
Minimum Salary |
Posted Salary | Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date | 06/01/2026
Grant Funded Position | No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date |
Working Title | Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies - School of Optometry
Number of Vacancies | 1
Location | McAllen, Texas
Department | School of Optometry
FTE | 1.0
FLSA | Exempt
Scope of Job | The Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (ADR) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Optometry has an essential role in the school and is responsible for overseeing all research operations to include faculty and student research and graduate program. This position is integral to the establishment and management of the optometry program’s research and scholarly endeavors. The ADR will help establish a research program designed to focus on clinical and translational research for faculty and students. The ADR will develop and monitor research operations, policy, compliance, and the graduate program. The ADR will work closely with the Dean of School of Optometry and the Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations in developing the mission, goals and objectives of the school, as they relate to research. In addition, they will work with the entire executive team of the UTRGV School of Optometry in developing policies and procedures for the school. The ADR will also be the liaison to the UTRGV Division of Research and foster collaborations within the university.
Description of Duties | Oversees and guides all research functions at UTRGV School of Optometry. Designs, develops, manages, and provides oversight of graduate education, including supporting student-led research. Provides guidance on research and monitor compliance. Develops research policies and procedures that complement the mission, goals, and objectives of the UTRGV School of Optometry and UTRGV. Implements and executes the research program. Assumes the responsibilities of the Dean in the absence of the Dean of School of Optometry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for School of Optometry. Assists in recruitment, retention and development of faculty members. Delivers administrative guidance to faculty clinical committees with regards to research and scholarly activities. Prepares data regarding the school’s research program to accreditation agencies and the Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Serves as liaison to research related committees locally, regionally, and nationally. Works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to help with the integration of the didactic and clinical programs. Provides oversight of research budgetary requests and daily budget review and work closely with the School Administrator to ensure fiscal responsibility of the research. The Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies will be assigned classroom teaching duties duties on a regular basis as directed by the Dean of the School of Optometry. The ADR will serve on the Dean’s Cabinet providing executive input on the direction of the School of Optometry. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received | General supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given | Direct supervision of assigned staff.
Required Education | Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in a Vision Science or related field.
Preferred Education | Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from an ACOE-accredited institution or a clinical equivalent.
Licenses/Certifications | None.
Required Experience | Five (5) years of demonstrated health professional school and/or academic leadership experience in higher education, with a preference for leadership experience in research. Solid understanding of the profession of Optometry and the discipline of Vision Science and their role in research. Comprehensive administrative skills including attention to detail, communication, supervision, and fiscal responsibility. Experience in collaborative research projects. Expertise in higher education teaching and background. Record of grant funding. Track record of consistent research publications.
Preferred Experience | None.
Equipment | Use of standard office equipment.
Working Conditions | Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Work is performed in a general office and research environment. Some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other | Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
Physical Capabilities | N/A
Employment Category | Full-Time
Minimum Salary |
Posted Salary | Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date | 06/01/2026
Grant Funded Position | No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date |
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement | It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants | Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Social Security Number *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.
Additional Information | UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .
Quick Link | https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/50455
Special Instructions to Applicants | Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Social Security Number *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.
Additional Information | UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .
Quick Link | https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/50455
Posting Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?
- Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions
- Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions
- No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions
- Are you a current UTRGV employee?
- Yes
- No
- * Please select your highest level of completed education.
- 6th grade education
- 10th grade education
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours
- Bachelors Degree from an accredited university
- Masters Degree from an accredited university
- Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university
- None of the above
- Please provide the field of study for your education:
(Open Ended Question) - * Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 7 years
- 8 years
- 9 years
- 10 years
- Over 10 years
- Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Teaching Philosophy
- Writing / Publication Sample
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Reference Letter 1
- Reference Letter 2
- Reference Letter 3
- Certifications and Licenses
- Training Certificates
- Other Document
- List of 3 References
- Unofficial Transcripts 2
- Unofficial Transcripts 3
- Letter of Interest
- Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
- Research Statement
- Additional Document
- NCCPA Certification
- State Licensure
- Representative Research Publication/Grant Documents
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