Director, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC) 
Head, Preuss Laboratory 
Duke University School of Medicine — Department of Neurosurgery 

The Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine invites applications for a senior faculty leader to serve as Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (PRTBTC) and Head of the Preuss Laboratory. This is a distinguished leadership opportunity for an accomplished investigator and clinician?scientist to guide one of the world’s leading centers in brain tumor research, clinical care, and translational innovation. 

Position Overview 

The Director will be responsible for the scientific, clinical, administrative, and strategic leadership of the PRTBTC. The successful candidate will develop and sustain an independent, internationally recognized research program, demonstrating scholarly distinction through high?impact publications, and continued success in securing competitive, peer?reviewed funding, particularly from the NIH. 
In close partnership with Department leadership, the Director will guide program project grant development, faculty recruitment and retention, and performance metrics aligned with departmental and institutional priorities. The Director will work to obtain funding from philanthropy and industry to conduct multi-institutional clinical trials leading to FDA approval.
 

Key Responsibilities 

Research Leadership 

• Lead an independent research program characterized by innovation, high?impact publications, and competitive national and international funding. 

• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities to support translational and clinical research across the PRTBTC. 

• Oversee laboratory development and equitable allocation of research space. 

Clinical & Translational Leadership 

• In collaboration with medical and surgical neuro?oncology leadership, coordinate all clinical care and translational research activities for PRTBTC patients. 
  
  

• Develop and advance innovative clinical trial concepts to expand patient access to novel therapies. 

Program Administration & Strategic Planning 

• Ensure financial sustainability through fiscal management, negotiation with institutional partners, and philanthropic growth.  

• Oversee recruitment packages, mentoring, and integration of new faculty. 

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the PRTBTC strategic plan. 

• Serve as Chair of the PRTBTC Executive Committee and lead interactions with the Brain Tumor Research Program Advisory Board. 

External Relations & Institutional Collaboration 

• Build and sustain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and development leadership, including preparation of philanthropic proposals.

• Serve as senior liaison to key institutional departments to ensure accurate, timely diagnostic and clinical services. 

Culture, Compliance & Organizational Effectiveness 

• Ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest policies and ethical standards. 

• Foster a cohesive, collaborative team culture that supports the Center’s vision of leadership in brain tumor care and research. 

• Model exemplary professional conduct and support ongoing performance assessment and organizational effectiveness. 

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of references to: 
Lori Rayman via lori.rayman@duke.edu 

Qualifications 

Candidates should hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) and meet criteria for appointment at the rank of Professor in the Duke University School of Medicine. The ideal candidate will demonstrate: 

• A sustained record of high?impact scholarship and extramural funding. 
• Significant experience in program leadership within an academic medical center. 

• A strong commitment to advancing multidisciplinary research and clinical excellence. 

• Exceptional interpersonal, strategic, and organizational leadership skills.