James Woods, Ph.D.

Dr. James M. Woods serves as the Assistant Vice President of Research for Midwestern University over the Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ campuses. He provides oversight and direction to an excellent team of Midwestern’s departmental leaders who supervise Research and Sponsored Programs, Animal Resources, Statistical Services, Core Facilities, and Clinical Research Services. Prior to his leadership role over research, he served as Director of Research and Sponsored Programs from 2008 – 2020, where he developed extensive operational and administrative experience in all aspects of research administration. His areas of oversight include research compliance (Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use, Biosafety, Radiation Safety, recombinant DNA, conflicts of interest, etc.), sponsored programs (pre-award and research aspects of post-award), research-related contracts and agreements, research integrity, research misconduct, intellectual property, technology transfer, and clinical trials. Dr. Woods has served as Institutional Official since 2008 and is responsible for development and implementation of all university research policies.

Dr. Woods came to Midwestern University in 2003 as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005 and to Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in 2010. Prior to joining Midwestern University, Dr. Woods earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at Loyola University Chicago and completed his postdoctoral training at Northwestern University.