Director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Southern California (USC) seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (Norris), an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a long tradition of excellence in cancer research, education, and community engagement. This is a pivotal opportunity for an extraordinary cancer leader to build on Norris’s remarkable momentum and lead a high-performing center that earned an exceptional score and a rare seven-year merit extension in its most recent Cancer Center Support Grant renewal.

USC Norris is distinguished by its collaborative, transdisciplinary culture; its deep commitment to addressing the cancer burdens of its catchment area—including Los Angeles County, the largest and one of the most diverse counties in the nation—and its outstanding track record of impactful translational research. The Center is also widely recognized for its national and international reputation for excellence in cancer science. The next Director will inherit an exceptionally strong foundation: five vibrant research programs, six highly rated shared resources, and a robust clinical trials infrastructure that has demonstrated success in engaging diverse populations. Norris’s members hold more than $100 million in cancer focused extramural funding, including significant NCI support, and have consistently produced high-impact, collaborative science that advances understanding of cancer biology, prevention, and treatment.

This is a unique moment to join the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Keck Medicine of USC, a health system in growth mode and a top-ranked academic medical center located in the heart of Los Angeles. USC’s location offers distinctive opportunities to make a meaningful impact on cancer care and research across one of the most diverse urban populations in the United States. The next Director will lead efforts to reduce cancer disparities, address the significant impact of cancer in the catchment area, and advance innovative translational research that improves outcomes for patients locally, nationally, and globally. In addition to shaping the scientific direction of the Cancer Center, the Director will partner closely with the executive leadership of the Keck School of Medicine to execute an ambitious and institutionally prioritized plan to expand and strengthen USC’s cancer programs across the research, clinical, and community domains. They will oversee research programs, shared resources, and the clinical trials enterprise, while working collaboratively with health system leaders and clinical chairs to support the delivery of cutting-edge cancer care.

The successful candidate will be a visionary physician-scientist or scientist with a demonstrated record of impactful cancer research, an understanding of the complexities of NCI-designated Cancer Center operations, and the ability to inspire and align a diverse community of faculty, staff, trainees, and external partners. The Director will report to the Dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and work closely with leadership across the Keck School and Keck Medicine of USC. They will be expected to steward and prepare Norris for future CCSG renewals, including the next competitive submission in 2028, and to ensure the continued excellence of the Center’s programs, infrastructure, and impact. USC is a global research powerhouse, a leader in cancer discovery, and an anchor institution in Los Angeles. This is a singular opportunity to lead a world-class cancer center at a moment of rapid institutional momentum, in a city that is both a global crossroads and a living laboratory for cancer disparities research and community engagement. The next Director will have the opportunity to shape the future of cancer science at USC, driving innovations that improve cancer care and outcomes for all Angelenos.

The anticipated compensation for this position is about $850-950K annually and is commensurate with related experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance is available. USC offers an inspiring higher education environment and excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off. Learn more about USC Employee benefits at https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks.