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. This leadership role advances clinical excellence, innovative neuromodulation therapies, multidisciplinary care, and NIH-funded research within a top-tier academic environment.
The division is currently leading and participating with several nationally distinguished resources—including the Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research, the Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC), the Movement Disorders and Motor Neurophysiology Laboratories, the Center for Neural Engineering and UMN’s world-leading Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR)—providing unparalleled opportunities for clinical and translational science and innovation in deep brain stimulation, gait and balance research, neurophysiology, imaging, and device-based therapy.
The Division Director will lead the current movement neurology division in work that is also supported by a robust multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, rehabilitation specialists, engineers, scientists, and research staff serving a diverse population of more than 3.5 million across the Twin Cities region. Protected research time is available.
World-class leadership under Jerrold Vitek, MD, PhD a global authority in DBS, neuromodulation, and basal ganglia research, and Director of the UMN Udall Center.
NINDS-designated Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research—Advancing mechanistic understanding and next-generation neuromodulation therapies.
Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC): A national referral center with integrated neurology–neurosurgery–engineering collaboration, advanced intra-operative neurophysiology, adaptive/closed-loop DBS development, and strong industry partnerships.
Movement Disorders and Motor Neurophysiology Laboratories, led by Colum MacKinnon, PhD and Scott Cooper, MD, PhD, supporting cutting-edge human motor control, gait, balance, cortical/subcortical physiology, quantitative kinematics/EMG, and advanced imaging studies.
Robust multidisciplinary DBS program supported by 3 functional neurosurgeons, allied health, neuropsychology, PT/OT/SLP, and dedicated clinical research coordinators.
Strong clinical trials and research infrastructure, supported by research leadership , Jeremy Duncan, PhD, Research Director, the MNDRIVE Brain Conditions Initiative, and department-wide regulatory/IRB support staff.
ACGME-recognized Movement Disorders Fellowship, with 1 or 2 fellows training each year in a 2 year program strong existing support from industry with possibility of expansion in future (AbbVie, Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific).
Diverse patient population serving a clinic footprint both in the central University site and suburban clinical settings associated with M Health Fairview.
Access to unmatched institutional research infrastructure, including the 10.5T human MRI at CMRR, biomedical engineering, neuroengineering, genomics, stem cell research, and statewide MnDRIVE partnerships.
The Division Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the clinical, research, educational, and operational missions of the Division of Movement Disorders, including but not limited to:
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 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.
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:
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
Providers practice at affiliated locations under the M Health Fairview shared care delivery system. This partnership represents a collaboration between University of Minnesota Physicians, University of Minnesota Medical Center and Fairview Health Services to build a nationally known academic health system that combines academic and community resources to provide the very best clinical care to patients and communities, while also supporting research and education across the joint healthcare delivery system.
The University of Minnesota is among the largest and most prestigious public research universities in the nation. The University Medical School is a world-class institution with a long history of leadership and discoveries that have changed the practice of medicine. The nearly 3,000 outstanding faculty members are committed to achieving excellence in research, clinical care, and developing the next generation of health professionals.
We are based in Minneapolis and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America by U.S. News & World Report The Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers a high quality of life and a low cost of living. You'll find excellent school systems, a robust economy, an award-winning culinary scene, museums of all types, outstanding theaters, and a reliable international airport. If you love the outdoors, you can enjoy all four seasons with the plethora of lakes, parks, and some of the country's best bike trails!
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University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians), a non-profit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, seeks motivated individuals for both clinical and non-clinical roles to drive innovation in health and medicine. Our inclusive culture offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and the opportunity for career development in the exciting field of health care to over 1,200 physicians, 300 advanced practice providers, and 2,200 health professionals and staff across Minnesota and beyond.
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