The University of Iowa announced its decision to pause the search for a new vice president for medical affairs and Carver College of Medicine dean on Thursday after the candidate selected for the position reportedly declined the university’s offer.

Brooks Jackson, the current UI vice president for medical affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, announced his stepping down from his positions to pursue research opportunities in February. 

An offer was recently extended to one of the applicants and was declined due to extenuating familial circumstances,  according to the UI. It is unclear which of the four candidates was chosen.  

RELATED: Carver College of Medicine Dean Brooks Jackson steps down from administrative positions

Jackson agreed to continue his role until the university can find another qualified candidate to take his place.

The UI started a national search to fill his positions in March. This fall,  the university invited four candidates to campus  to speak about their visions for the university.

The search is expected to reopen in the coming months after school officials spend time meeting with and listening to leadership and other groups of UI health care and the Carver College of Medicine. The university stated it hopes to use this extended amount of time to ensure that it finds a sufficient leader to replace Jackson.