The University of California, Irvine’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering on Monday named Steven George as the founding director of its Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology.

George, currently the William J. Link chair and professor in UCI’s biomedical engineering department, will take his new job on July 1. He’ll be responsible for developing a strategic plan to lead the center’s cardiovascular research, device development and training activities.

The Edwards center was established in 2007 with a $5 million grant from Edwards Lifesciences Corp., the Irvine heart valve maker. It will be located in Engineering Hall, a new building on UCI’s campus that’s scheduled for completion later this month.

UCI said it will begin an immediate search for George's successor as department chair.