Movement Disorders Division Director

University of Minnesota Physicians; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 270,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer contribution

CME allowance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

University of Minnesota Physicians seeks a distinguished movement disorders neurologist to serve as Director of the Division of Movement Disorders. Reporting to the Chair, Jerrold L.

Vitek, MD, PhD, the Division will benefit from strategic leadership overseeing clinical, research, and education missions, with an emphasis on neuromodulation, DBS, and translational programs. The incoming leader will mentor faculty, expand clinical trials, collaborate with neurosurgery, engineering, and

Qualifications

• MD/DO or equivalent with ABPN board eligibility/certification.
• Fellowship in Movement Disorders with demonstrated expertise in Parkinson’s, tremor, dystonia, ataxia, and related conditions.
• Eligibility for medical licensure in Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of clinical, research, educational, and operational missions of the Division.
• Grow the Division’s clinical programs with excellence in diagnosis and management of movement disorders.
• Expand and enhance clinical research and trials portfolio, including device-based neuromodulation and translational studies.
• Foster translational and clinical research, including DBS, adaptive neuromodulation, and wearables technologies.
• Cultivate collaboration across neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, engineering, and allied health teams.
• Mentor, recruit, and support faculty, fellows, and residents; promote academic leadership.
• Collaborate with the Movement Disorders Fellowship Program Director to grow the fellowship.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical expertise in movement

Scholarly productivity

Communication skills

Mentorship

Education

MD/DO or equivalent

Fellowship in Movement Disorders

Job description

Overview

The University of Minnesota Medical School (UMN) seeks an accomplished movement disorders neurologist or physician clinical trialist to serve as the next Director of the Division of Movement Disorders. The incoming leader will oversee a growing division with a strong clinical foundation, advanced neuromodulation surgery program, NIH-supported laboratories, and an ACGME-recognized Movement Disorders Fellowship. Reporting directly to the Chair of the Department of Neurology, Jerrold L. Vitek, MD, PhD, the Division Director of Movement Disorders will lead one of the nation’s premier translational ecosystems in Parkinson’s disease and neuromodulation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the clinical, research, educational, and operational missions of the Division.
• Lead and further grow the Division’s clinical programs, ensuring continued excellence and innovation in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, ataxia, atypical parkinsonism, and related disorders.
• Expand and enhance the Division’s clinical research and clinical trials portfolio, increasing participation in device-based, pharmacologic, neuromodulation, and translational studies, and integrating research efficiently within clinical workflows.
• Foster and strengthen translational and clinical research programs, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), adaptive/closed-loop neuromodulation, neuroengineering partnerships, gait and balance circuitry research, advanced imaging/connectomics, and wearable/remote monitoring technologies.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture, promoting excellent communication, interdisciplinary teamwork, and alignment across neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, engineering, and allied health teams.
• Mentor, recruit, and support faculty, fellows, and residents, promoting academic productivity, leadership development, and professional growth in movement disorders, neuromodulation, and clinical investigation.
• Collaborate with the Movement Disorders Fellowship Program Director to ensure excellence in curriculum, trainee experience, recruitment, and strategic expansion toward two fellows per year.
• Partner closely with health system leadership and neurosurgery to optimize DBS workflows, referral networks, evaluation pathways, and patient experience.
• Support departmental and institutional leadership in strategic planning, resource allocation, quality improvement initiatives, and broader programmatic development across the Department of Neurology and the Medical School.
• Serve as the Division’s representative locally, regionally, and nationally, enhancing program visibility, cultivating referral relationships, and promoting the Division as a leader in movement disorders and neuromodulation.

Required Qualifications

• MD, DO, or equivalent degree; board-certified/board-eligible in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
• Fellowship training in Movement Disorders or equivalent advanced expertise, with demonstrated excellence in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, ataxia, and related conditions.
• Eligibility for medical licensure in the State of Minnesota.
• Strong clinical expertise in movement disorder diseases.
• Proven track record of scholarly productivity—clinical, translational, or basic science—sufficient for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor on the clinical track.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to clinical research or clinical trials; experience integrating research workflows into clinical care is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to foster collaboration across neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, engineering, and allied health teams.
• A leadership style characterized by emotional intelligence, transparency, humility, and team‑orientation—capable of cultivating a positive culture and guiding a diverse multidisciplinary workforce.
• Commitment to education, mentorship, and academic development of trainees, residents, fellows, and junior faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior leadership experience (e.g., fellowship director, section chief, PI of funded research, clinical trials leadership, or equivalent) in an academic medical center.
• Experience with industry-sponsored research partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-quality referral relationships and represent a program regionally or nationally.
• Familiarity with NIH-funded research programs, clinical trial execution, regulatory processes, or multidisciplinary research collaborations.
• Experience managing or participating in fellowship programs, curriculum development, or graduate medical education leadership.
• Interest or experience in innovative care delivery models, remote monitoring, wearable technology, AI-driven programming, or patient-centered pathway design.

Pay and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $270,000 – $320,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and cFTE. The role is dually employed by University of Minnesota Physicians and the University of Minnesota. Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through M Physicians. Benefits include substantial 401(k) employer contribution; well-being program with annual spending allotment, peer coaching, counseling, and concierge services; allowance for CME, license, board certification, and DEA fees; malpractice insurance coverage; and comprehensive medical, dental, pharmacy, and other plans through the University. The position also qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501(c)(3) non-profit employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.