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President, Sanford Research

Sanford Health – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural health system, invites applications and nominations for the position of President, Sanford Research—a visionary physician-scientist leader who will shape the future of biomedical and healthcare- related research across a rapidly growing, multi-state academic health enterprise.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a vibrant, discovery-driven research environment embedded within an integrated health system that spans more than 320,000 square miles and serves over 2 million patients across the Upper Midwest. Sanford Research is home to nearly 500 scientists and research professionals across Sanford Research Institute (SRI) and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute (MCRI), supporting approximately1,100 clinical trials and a robust portfolio in biomedical, biobehavioral, population health, and translational science.

About Sanford Research

Sanford Research’s mission is rooted in Sanford Health’s long-standing commitment to care, comfort, and cure. The research enterprise includes nationally competitive Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBREs) in cancer, pediatrics, and eating disorders; robust affiliation with a number of in clinical research program including NCI Connect or NCOR, extensive technical core facilities to support our scientist in genomics, advanced imaging, proteomics, and translational platforms; an accredited AAALAC animal research center and AAHRPP accredited human subject research program; and one of the largest clinical research footprints in the rural United States.

Sanford Research integrates:

• Biomedical discovery focused on cancer biology, pediatrics, rare diseases, and cellular/molecular mechanisms of disease.
• Translational research supported by the Sanford BioBank, population genetics resources, disease-specific registries, and precision-medicine biorepositories.
• Clinical research with strong early-phase capabilities and a systemwide commitment to decentralizing clinical trials.
• Biobehavioral and mental health research, including nationally recognized programs in eating disorders, obesity and bariatric surgery.
• Population health & epidemiology, precision health, and multispecialty clinical trials through MCRI.

The President of Sanford Research will steward and elevate these strengths to advance discovery, implementation, and innovation across the enterprise.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer of Sanford Health, the President of Sanford Research serves as the senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, scientific vision, operational leadership, and long-range planning of research across the Sanford Health system.

The President will:

• Support the discovery, clinical, translational, and implementation research programs aligned with Sanford’s strategic priorities.
• Work with leadership to develop and execute strategic, financial, and operational plans for a high-performing research enterprise.
• Strengthen collaboration across Sanford Health’s clinical service lines, academic partners, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Advance a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and integrity.
• Oversee research funding models; ensure effectiveness and sustainability of financial structures; and monitor performance relative to key objectives.
• Represent Sanford Research nationally and internationally as a visible thought leader in rural health innovation, clinical trials access, and cutting-edge science.
• Champion team-science models and support the appropriate mentorship of the next generation of researchers and physician-scientists.
• Ensure compliance with research integrity, regulatory standards, and institutional policies.
• Drive partnerships aimed at expanding clinical research access for rural and underserved populations.

The President will be an influential member of a high-functioning executive team and will work closely with system-wide leaders, scientific faculty, clinicians, and community partners to elevate and expand the impact of Sanford Research.

Candidate Profile

Sanford Health seeks an accomplished physician-scientist (MD or DO required) with the experience, credibility, and strategic orientation to lead a complex research ecosystem. The ideal candidate will bring:

Professional Qualifications

• A distinguished record as a funded investigator with demonstrated excellence in biomedical, clinical, and/or translational research.
• Experience integrating research within a large health system, academic medical center, or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated success in scientific leadership, administrative management, and strategic planning.
• Ability to cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations and foster team-science environments.
• Evidence of strong decision-making, planning, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience navigating federal research landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and funding agencies.
• A leadership philosophy grounded in humility, stewardship, service, and collaborative excellence.

Preferred Attributes

• Visionary leadership with a commitment to innovation and scientific impact.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to varied audiences—including clinicians, scientists, community stakeholders, and system leadership.
• Demonstrated success building trusting relationships, advancing organizational priorities, and inspiring teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Experience strengthening clinical trials infrastructure, rural research access, commercial partnerships, and/or public-private collaborations.

Life in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Live in the United States. With no state income tax, a thriving arts community, extensive parks and trails, top-tier educational institutions, and vibrant cultural offerings, the city offers an exceptional quality of life. As Sanford Health’s headquarters and largest regional hub, Sioux Falls provides a dynamic environment for professional and personal fulfillment.

Application Process

All application materials should be submitted electronically to: Research Recruitment at
researchrecruitment@SanfordHealth.org; Please copy Mike Quick at michael.quick@sanfordhealth.org

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter outlining interest and relevant leadership experience.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior approval).