Director, UF Health Cancer Institute and Physician-In-Chief, UF Health Shands Ca
Association-American Cancer Institute, Gainesville, FL, United States
Cancer Center Jobs
Director, UF Health Cancer Institute and Physician-in-Chief, UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital
UF Health Cancer Institute
March 19, 2026
The University of Florida Health (UF) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director, UF Health Cancer Institute, and Physician-in-Chief, UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital.
The new Director will be a nationally recognized cancer scientist with a strong track record of NCI-funded research and a deep knowledge of the important directions in discovery and innovation in research and clinical care in oncology. They will be a strategic builder, a visionary leader capable of advancing an NCI-designated cancer center that is on a strong upward trajectory and positioning it for continued growth toward Comprehensive status. They will steward a high-performing enterprise serving more than 2 million residents across a largely rural and medically underserved 26-county catchment area. With over $50 million in total cancer-related funding, more than 350 researchers and clinicians throughout the University of Florida and UF Health Shands hospital system, a rapidly expanding clinical trials portfolio, and robust institutional alignment within UF Health, the Institute has established meaningful momentum. The next leader must embrace stewardship of these resources with transparency, accountability, and strategic foresight.
Critical to their success, the new Director will oversee all aspects of the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), including strategic planning, renewal preparation, and execution of both External and Internal Advisory Board processes. The Director will guide the growth and evolution of research programs, assess and advance Core Facility technologies and services, and ensure alignment with NCI priorities.
The next Director will be expected to serve as a next-generation leader in expanding the Institute’s physical and scientific footprint, advancing plans for future campus and facility growth through a strategic combination of competitive research funding, state investment, and a strengthened culture of philanthropy. This individual must be comfortable operating at the intersection of science, strategy, and fundraising, helping to articulate a compelling case for capital investment that supports long-term research and clinical expansion. They will play a central role in shaping strategy, strengthening areas of opportunity, and articulating a compelling case for continued excellence.
Qualified candidates must hold a medical degree (MD), terminal (PhD), or equivalent. Candidates must be eligible for a faculty appointment at the Professor level in the University of Florida. Clinically active candidates must be board certified and eligible for licensure in the state of Florida.
Korn Ferry’s Academic Practice is assisting the University of Florida Health with this recruitment. Applications should include 1) a Curriculum Vitae, 2) a current Biosketch and 3) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, as well as the applicant’s motivation to apply. To ensure full consideration,
inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to : caroline.thompson@kornferry.com
University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer and, as an institutional practice, does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
AACI events bring together cancer center leadership with national cancer research and advocacy groups, industry, and government health agencies. AACI also publishes cancer center event announcements as a benefit to members.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The University of Florida Health (UF) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director, UF Health Cancer Institute, and Physician-in-Chief, UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital.
The new Director will be a nationally recognized cancer scientist with a strong track record of NCI-funded research and a deep knowledge of the important directions in discovery and innovation in research and clinical care in oncology. They will be a strategic builder, a visionary leader capable of advancing an NCI-designated cancer center that is on a strong upward trajectory and positioning it for continued growth toward Comprehensive status. They will steward a high-performing enterprise serving more than 2 million residents across a largely rural and medically underserved 26-county catchment area. With over $50 million in total cancer-related funding, more than 350 researchers and clinicians throughout the University of Florida and UF Health Shands hospital system, a rapidly expanding clinical trials portfolio, and robust institutional alignment within UF Health, the Institute has established meaningful momentum. The next leader must embrace stewardship of these resources with transparency, accountability, and strategic foresight.
Critical to their success, the new Director will oversee all aspects of the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), including strategic planning, renewal preparation, and execution of both External and Internal Advisory Board processes. The Director will guide the growth and evolution of research programs, assess and advance Core Facility technologies and services, and ensure alignment with NCI priorities.
The next Director will be expected to serve as a next-generation leader in expanding the Institute’s physical and scientific footprint, advancing plans for future campus and facility growth through a strategic combination of competitive research funding, state investment, and a strengthened culture of philanthropy. This individual must be comfortable operating at the intersection of science, strategy, and fundraising, helping to articulate a compelling case for capital investment that supports long-term research and clinical expansion. They will play a central role in shaping strategy, strengthening areas of opportunity, and articulating a compelling case for continued excellence.
Qualified candidates must hold a medical degree (MD), terminal (PhD), or equivalent. Candidates must be eligible for a faculty appointment at the Professor level in the University of Florida. Clinically active candidates must be board certified and eligible for licensure in the state of Florida.
Korn Ferry’s Academic Practice is assisting the University of Florida Health with this recruitment. Applications should include 1) a Curriculum Vitae, 2) a current Biosketch and 3) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, as well as the applicant’s motivation to apply. To ensure full consideration,
inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to : caroline.thompson@kornferry.com
University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer and, as an institutional practice, does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
AACI events bring together cancer center leadership with national cancer research and advocacy groups, industry, and government health agencies. AACI also publishes cancer center event announcements as a benefit to members.
#J-18808-Ljbffr