The Ph.D. program director contributes to two of the three missions of OHSU School of Nursing (SON): research and teaching (at the Ph.D. level); specific activities and responsibilities are based on rank.  As a faculty member, the Ph.D. program director is also expected to participate in faculty governance and contribute in service to the school and university, including student advising and faculty mentorship.

The Ph.D. program director has responsibility and authority for program structure, functions, practices, and budget, and ensures the quality of the curriculum and educational experience of the program and its adherence to accreditation standards. The Ph.D. program director works closely with faculty in student recruitment, curricular development, course and program goal attainment, student engagement, and cohesive program functioning. 

The Ph.D. program director is a faculty member who has established an active program of research and has experience in academic program administration/management and a track-record of successful mentoring of Ph.D. students. An active program of research that aligns with one of the two signature areas of research at OHSU SON (bio behavioral or health equity) or any other field directly relevant to nursing science (e.g., education research, clinical research, implementation research, population health) is preferred.

This position reports to: the Sr. Associate Dean for Research.

1.            Clinical Activities (not related to teaching or research):  None required  

2.            Research Activities (research/writing, abstracts, grant supported work, presentations, etc.):  The Ph.D. program director advances a competitive research program at OHSU SON through: securing R-level (or equivalent) external funding; contributing significantly to peer-reviewed literature; and actively participating in national and international scientific communities. The Ph.D. program director also engages PhD students in research through mentorship, and participates with other missions to foster inquiry within the SON.

3.            Education Activities (include types of teaching and types of student taught):  The Ph.D. program director working closely with faculty, oversees the quality of the educational and research experiences of students to ensure that course and programmatic outcomes are met and that the program is ultimately achieving the preparation of Ph.D. students as nursing scientists. The Ph.D. program director oversees the quality of didactic and experiential learning activities of the program including doctoral dissertation projects.  The Ph.D. program director provides guidance and support to students and faculty on the use of appropriate instructional methodologies and technologies to ensure that course and program learning outcomes are met. The Ph.D. program director participates collaboratively in the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum. The Ph.D. program director also works closely with faculty in the development of training and educational grants to build and diversify the cadre of nursing scientists.

4.            Service Activities:  The Ph.D. program director participates in service activities at the school and university levels, in faculty governance activities, and in leadership activities at the local, state, or national levels. The service activities associated with this role include committee membership, faculty and administrative meetings, professional activities and other SON and OHSU service responsibilities.

5.            Administrative Activities:  Ph.D. Program Director – see Appendix A

6.            Other Activities:  The director of the Ph.D. program provides services as assigned by the Sr. Associate Dean for Research in furtherance of the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service (e.g., contribution to school accreditation efforts, representing the SON at meetings).

• Demonstrated experience in academic program administration/management.


• Demonstrated experience in teaching at the Ph.D. level.


• Demonstrated experience in mentoring Ph.D. students.


• Capacity to mentor faculty in teaching and mentoring at the Ph.D. level. 


• A track record of significant contributions to science in a field related to at least one of the OHSU SON two signature areas of research (e.g., bio behavioral or health equity) or in a filed directly relevant to nursing science (e.g., education research, clinical research, implementation research, population health).


• A track-record of securing external research funding. 

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.