Description
Director of the Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, research-focused leader to shape the future of a well-established research center, guiding its next phase of innovation, discovery, and transformative impact.
The Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is a nationally and internationally recognized contributor to precision medicine, advancing genomic discovery from bench to bedside. Founded in 1999 and rooted in the Human Genome Project, the Center has achieved landmark milestones, including the first successful treatment of a child using whole-genome sequencing, and has since evolved into a hub for transformative research and clinical integration. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility, the Mellowes Center integrates cutting-edge genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and systems biology to translate complex data into actionable insights across cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and rare diseases. Faculty collaborators have made significant contributions to the field, reflected in high-impact publications, global partnerships, and substantial extramural funding.
As part of Wisconsin’s largest private research institution, MCW, the Mellowes Center leverages a vibrant research, academic and clinical ecosystem to advance scientific discovery, innovation, and translational research by integrating cutting-edge genomics, AI-driven analytics, and multidisciplinary expertise to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rare, chronic, and complex diseases across the lifespan. The Center fosters collaboration both within MCW and with national and international partners, strengthens its identity as a hub for advanced research tools and precision medicine, and supports high-quality, reproducible science through robust member education and operational excellence. By diversifying funding, expanding partnerships, and promoting educational and scholarly initiatives, the Center drives transformative, patient-centered care while reinforcing its role as a leader in precision medicine, research, and collaborative scholarship.
The next Director has the opportunity to redefine, strengthen, and elevate the Center’s identity as a premier hub for innovation and transformative research. By shaping strategic priorities, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations, and expanding access to advanced technologies, the leader can enhance scientific rigor, accelerate discovery, and broaden the Center’s impact. The Mellowes Center has an exceptional opportunity to collaborate closely with basic science and clinical departments, as well as other MCW institutes and centers, to advance translational research and strengthen the integration of clinical care with scientific discovery. Through optimizing operations, advancing member support, and promoting transparency, the Director will position the Center to achieve new levels of research excellence and solidify its reputation as a leading, high-impact partner in precision science.
The Director will lead an exceptional team of scientists and clinicians, guiding interdisciplinary programs across genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, genome editing, and therapeutic development, and translating precision medicine research breakthroughs into clinical practice. The ideal candidate is a visionary investigator and strategic leader capable of inspiring collaboration, advancing innovation, and shaping the future of the field positioning MCW as a national hub for discovery.
Procedure for Candidacy
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be a submitted via the MCW Executive Recruitment Nominations Form or can be directed to Amanda Steffens, Executive Faculty Recruitment, Medical College of Wisconsin via asteffens@mcw.edu.
To receive full consideration, please submit your application materials by the priority deadline of January 9, 2026.
Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
A formal application submission should include:
- Current CV
- Letter of Interest describing:
ü Interest in the role
ü A description of your experience and leadership approach, supported by specific examples that showcase your experience with the following competencies: Emotional Intelligence, Development Mindset, Collaboration, Inspiring trust, Change Leadership, Effective Communication, Innovation, Results Orientation and Financial Stewardship
Recommendations:
You do not need to address every competency in equal depth, but the letter should touch on each.
Use specific examples and outcomes to demonstrate how you embody these competencies.
Aim for a balance of professional accomplishments and insights into your leadership style.
Medical College of Wisconsin
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. MCW consists of a School of Medicine with campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay and central Wisconsin, a School of Graduate Studies, and a School of Pharmacy. MCW is a major national research center ranking in the top third of U.S. medical schools in NIH funding and is the second largest research institution in Wisconsin. The core of everything we do at the MCW is academic medicine, which brings together scientists, clinicians, students, and community members to solve challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to build a healthier world. Every study we conduct, and every patient we see, leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge. The beautiful, safe, and modern campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) houses Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Health System, Curative Care, Blood Research Institute of Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located on Lake Michigan’s western shore. A metropolitan area with more than 1.5 million people, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place to live, work, and play, big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around easily. Milwaukee’s many neighborhoods have incredible charm, accommodating a variety of lifestyles, from high-rise apartments to small farms. Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s downtown is home to botanical gardens, museums, a theater district, the world champion Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, and many fine restaurants. The lake and its harbors are skirted by scenic parklands and provide first-class opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more.
Our Commitment to MCW Values and Equal Employment
At MCW all our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
