Movement Disorders Division Director

About the role

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, a recognized neuromodulation pioneer, the Division Director of Movement Disorders will lead one of the nation’s premier translational ecosystems in Parkinson’s disease and neuromodulation.

Responsibilities

• 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, and related disorders.
• Expand and enhance the Division’s already strong clinical research and clinical trials portfolio, increasing participation in device-based, pharmacologic, neuromodulation, and translational studies, and integrating research efficiently within clinical workflows and with project principal investigators and research teams.
• 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, ensuring 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, supporting continued growth of neuromodulation services and surgical volume.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

This role is dually employed by University of Minnesota Physicians and the University of Minnesota. Total salary is market competitive and based on AAMC salary benchmarks. Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through M Physicians. The base salary range for this position is $270,000 - $320,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and cFTE. The salary from the University is dependent upon the academic effort of the person hired. M Physicians Provides The Following Benefits Substantial 401K employer contribution. Well-being program including an annual spending allotment, peer coaching, counseling, and concierge services. Allowance for CME, license, board certification, and DEA fees. Malpractice insurance coverage. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. In addition, the University provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes low-cost medical, dental, pharmacy plans, and much more. Additional information can be found here: M Physicians Benefits and University Benefits.