The University of Texas Medical Branch - Assistant Professor, Psychiatry/Behavioral Science

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in its search for Assistant Professor, Psychiatry/Behavioral Science. 

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health), one of the nation’s oldest and most respected academic health centers, invites applications for a non-tenure track research faculty position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in partnership with the Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST). Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, this position offers an exciting opportunity to join a growing, high-impact research enterprise during a period of record extramural funding and major institutional investment in translational science. 

UTMB recently marked several milestones, including more than $300 Million Research Funding Awarded in FY24, new facilities within the Health Education Center, and expansion across its four campuses, most notably the Galveston National Lab and the League City Campus. These investments demonstrate its commitment to biomedical discovery, public health, and academic excellence. UTMB is consistently ranked among the top 10 institutions nationally for NIH funding growth. Located on the Texas coast just south of Houston, the Galveston area offers 32 miles of beaches, a rich historic landscape, and accessible coastal living, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

The Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, formerly Center for Addiction Research, is a transdisciplinary hub engaged in basic / clinical / translational sciences, public and population health, industry and community partners toward improved health in vulnerable populations. Examples of priority research areas within CAST and the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department which are highly encouraged for candidates include but are not limited to:

• Development, evaluation, and dissemination of evidence-based interventions for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, including medications development 
• Implementation and scaling of treatments in real-world community, healthcare, or justice settings 
• Transdisciplinary responses to the overdose crisis Investigation of transdiagnostic etiological mechanisms 
• Novel mental health and substance use treatment advances 
• Application of precision medicine or data-driven methods to improve prevention and treatment outcomes 
• Supporting health equity and public health engagement 

Key highlights for faculty include:

• A collaborative culture to engage with faculty across schools, departments, and the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world.
• Transdisciplinary research excellence with an opportunity to work in basic, translational, and clinical sciences, addressing substance use and mental health disorders.
• Access to state-of-the-art core research facilities, robust mentorship and career development resources, and opportunities to secure extramural funding for innovative, translational research in substance use, neuropsychiatric, and mental health disorders.
• Generous startup packages, research space, and administrative support for grant development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• M.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or related clinical experience
• Track record of scholarly research, publications and history of, or evidence of potential for obtaining, extramural funding 
• Research that directly informs the development, testing, or implementation of interventions to prevent or treat substance use, neuropsychiatric, or mental health disorders is especially encouraged
• Preference will be given to candidates who integrate community engagement, implementation science, and/or health services research into their work and who value interdisciplinary collaboration 

About UTMB Health

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) is a nationally recognized academic health center with a proud history of advancing education, research, and patient care. Established in 1891 as the first medical school in Texas, UTMB has grown into a $3.6 billion health science center that includes five hospitals, a robust network of outpatient clinics, and four schools: Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, and Graduate Biomedical Sciences.

UTMB is home to more than 10 research centers, three institutes, and the Galveston National Laboratory, one of only two university-based BSL-4 labs in the nation. Ranked 54th nationally in NIH funding the institution has increased research funding by 20% over the past five years. UTMB has been recognized as a top performer in Vizient’s 2025 Bernard A. Birnbaum Quality and Accountability Awards for Pediatric Hospital Services, ranking 7th out of 98 medical centers measured nationwide. UTMB offers healthcare professionals the opportunity to contribute to an innovative, mission-driven environment with a lasting impact on the health of Texas and beyond.
 
Living in the Area

Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston offers a rich blend of historic charm, coastal beauty, and relative affordability. With 32 miles of beaches, a cost of living below the national average, and a range of distinctive neighborhoods, the area provides an attractive quality of life for professionals and families. Residents enjoy access to well-regarded public and private schools, along with cultural attractions such as the Strand Historic District, Moody Gardens, and a vibrant arts and festival scene.

Less than an hour from Houston, Galveston provides convenient access to two major international airports (William P. Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental), as well as the professional, cultural, and entertainment amenities of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. The coastal setting supports year-round outdoor recreation, from sailing and fishing to nature trails, festivals, and outdoor events. Learn more about the area here: Galveston

To Apply 

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to UTMBPsychiatry@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.