Our Mission
The mission of the College of Health Professions is to create influential leaders in health care who embrace equity and model excellence through inclusive teaching and learning, thoughtful advancement of cross-cultural knowledge, meaningful service to others, innovative technologies, and scientific discoveries that promote health and health equity and eliminate health disparities.
Role Highlights
Location
Richmond, VA (MCV Campus)
Focus
Brain Health and Neurodegeneration Across the Lifecourse
Appointment
Full-Time, Tenure Eligible
Chief Purpose of the Position
The senior researcher will lead a nationally recognized, externally funded program of scholarship in neurodegeneration, brain health and/or cognitive aging. This role is designed to bridge VCU College of Health Professions strengths in maternal, perinatal, aging and dementia research while advancing interdisciplinary science across the health sciences campus.
Key Responsibilities
Research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship across mental and brain health science
Research and Scholarship
Maintain a robust, externally funded research portfolio focused on neurodegeneration, neuroscience, brain health and/or cognitive aging.
Grant Leadership
Secure consistent extramural support, including R-level, center and training grants, to advance innovative research and strengthen VCU’s research capacity.
Scientific Dissemination
Publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international scientific, policy and professional forums.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Partner with colleagues across VCU and beyond to address complex systems-level challenges in neurodegeneration, brain health and health care delivery.
Mentoring and Impact
Teach and mentor students, trainees, junior faculty and colleagues while helping translate research into practice, policy and community benefit.
Qualifications and Requirements
Required
- Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Allied/Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, neuroscience, psychology, public health, medicine or a related field
- Eligibility for appointment at the rank of associate or full professor in a tenure-eligible role
- Distinguished record of scholarly publication and consistent recent extramural funding as principal investigator
Preferred
- Eligibility for licensure in Virginia as applicable.
- Experience mentoring doctoral students, post-doctoral trainees, and new faculty.
- Experience with biomarkers, surveillance, prevention, intervention, or implementation science.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary and translational research.
- Vision for advancing health professions and health sciences in prevention and care in neurodegenerative conditions.
Location and Lifestyle
Richmond is our Home
A vibrant community of 1.2 million people that is a top destination for creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, foodies and artists, and nonprofit and government leaders
History, Culture and Nature
From the historic cobblestone streets to the 600 acres of parks bordering the James River, Richmond offers big city opportunities and an intimate community feel.
Culinary Capital
Consistently ranked among America's best food cities with a thriving craft brewery scene
Medical District
Strategically located for clinical and research collaboration
2 hrs to D.C.
2 hrs to the coast
1 hr to mountains
Institutional Prestige
A Premier Health Sciences Environment
Top ranked programs
Five programs consistently ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
#36 in NIH Funding
Nationally recognized as a top-tier institution for NIH-funded research among public universities
R1 Carnegie Classification
VCU is distinguished as a “very high research activity” university, placing us among the nation’s elite research institutions.
1500
Students
Across
11
Units
Our Canvas
State-of-the-Art Science Facilities
Under One Roof
College of Health Professions
The College of Health Professions houses 11 units and research in a 154,000 square foot facility designed to support learning and research and create community.
Clinical Learning Center
Simulation Hub
A 3,000-square-foot center offering flexible active-learning space with simulation suites and skills labs, providing a world-class environment for clinical instruction.
Research and Discovery
Biobehavioral Lab
All R-level grant principal investigators have dedicated suites in Cabaniss Hall, supported by the Biobehavioral Research Laboratory for advanced scientific inquiry.
In the News
Brain Health at VCU
Funding for Virginia Memory Project included in state budget
The funding will expand the VCU-led project’s efforts to improve access to services for people with neurodegenerative diseases and their caregivers. (VCU Health News)
Visiting researcher discusses neurodegeneration and brain health across life spans
Fofi Constantinidou, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS, the director of the Center for Applied Neuroscience (CAN) and a professor of language disorders and clinical neuropsychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cyprus, recently visited Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions to present research and hold strategic discussions with faculty and staff.
Minding the Gap: VCU Richmond Brain Health Initiative
The RBHI, as it’s widely known, provides dementia-related screening, education, coaching, referrals for support and monitoring, and research opportunities in Richmond, which some call a dementia desert for its lack of brain health and memory care centers. (MCV Foundation News)
Why VCU Convergence is built to take on neurodegeneration: Q&A with Faika Zanjani
Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to nearly double by 2050. Faika Zanjani, Ph.D., a VCU gerontology professor and associate dean of research of the College of Health Professions, discusses the urgency of her research and why VCU is positioned to lead and what gives her hope.
Project seeks to improve access, services around Alzheimer's for Richmond-area older adults
The VCU Richmond Brain Health Collaborative has received a new three-year, $1.2 million grant from the Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative of Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (VCU Health News)
A Comprehensive Benefits Package
VCU offers a diverse set of benefits to support the health, wealth and well-being of our faculty and their families.
Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental and vision plans with low employee premiums
Financial Future
Employer-funded retirement plans and optional tax-deferred savings
Education
Tuition waivers for faculty and dependent child tuition benefits
Time Away
Generous annual leave, sick leave and university holidays
Ready to shape the future of brain health research?
Join VCU College of Health Professions as a senior researcher shaping discovery across the lifecourse. Your work can strengthen interdisciplinary science, accelerate translation into practice and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
You will be redirected to the official VCU Careers portal.