Director's Message | Spring 2024

In the world of academia, faculty recruitment is akin to the high-stakes drama of the NBA draft. Both endeavors require strategic planning, meticulous scouting, and a keen eye for talent. Just as NBA teams aim to secure the next superstar to elevate their game, universities seek out top-tier researchers to enhance their academic productivity and reputation. As we are right in the middle of recruitment season for faculty to become part of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, and with the NBA draft coming up in June, it is a good opportunity to deconstruct the elements that bring game-changing talent to an organization.

First, consider the scouting process. NBA scouts carefully analyze players' skills, strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth. Likewise, we meticulously examine prospective faculty members' qualifications, research contributions, teaching abilities, and fit with the institution's culture and goals. Just as NBA scouts attend games and watch tapes, we review resumes, conduct interviews, and seek recommendations to assess candidates thoroughly.

In terms of the draft itself, NBA teams prioritize their needs and draft players accordingly, aiming to build a well-rounded roster. Similarly, the Center prioritizes its academic needs, whether it be in research, teaching, or programmatic development, and recruits faculty members who can fulfill those needs effectively. We consider any new faculty member’s long-term potential to elevate our programs in stem cell biology and therapeutics. As our current faculty has expertise spanning 14 research areas, it is also critical for us to assess how a new faculty member could expand or complement our program by forming lasting and fruitful collaborations with existing members.

Furthermore, both the NBA draft and faculty recruitment involve competition. NBA teams compete fiercely to secure the most promising players, often engaging in trades and negotiations to improve their position. Academic centers also compete to attract top faculty talent, offering competitive salaries, research support, ample laboratory space, and other institutional resources to entice candidates. NBA franchises strive to build a championship team; we aim to assemble a world-class faculty that can drive innovation, scholarship, and excellence. Often that involves the recruitment of scientists who bring new technologies that transform research projects throughout the Center. 

Of course, career support and development does not end with recruitment. In the NBA, teams invest time and resources into developing their draft picks, providing coaching, training, and support to help players reach their full potential. Similarly, we invest in our faculty members, providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a conducive environment for research and teaching. With the same pride that NBA teams celebrate the success of their players on the court, academic programs celebrate the accomplishments of their faculty members in advancing knowledge, educating students, and having a positive impact on society. By adopting a draft-like approach to faculty recruitment, the Center is aiming to identify, attract, and retain top talent, ultimately elevating our reputation on the global stage. 

Thomas Rando, MD, PhD
Director, UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center
Professor of Neurology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology