Tenure Track Associate/Full Professor: Division Director of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases

Institution: University of Minnesota
Department: Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases
Reports to: Chair of the Department of Medicine

University of Minnesota:
The University of Minnesota Medical School offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a leading academic medical institution dedicated to innovation, patient-centered care, and groundbreaking research. As one of the top hospitals in the region, it combines cutting-edge clinical care with the resources of a major research university, creating an environment where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact. You will collaborate with leading experts in medicine, contribute to the advancement of healthcare, and play a pivotal role in training the next generation of medical professionals. Our institution fosters a culture grounded in teamwork, diversity, and lifelong learning, supported by competitive benefits and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Located in the dynamic Twin Cities metro area, this position offers not just a career opportunity, but a meaningful platform to help shape the future of academic medicine.

Position Summary:
The University of Minnesota Department of Medicine is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Division Director of the Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished record of clinical excellence, research productivity, educational engagement and administrative leadership.
The division is seeking a leader who can foster new collaborations, expand its research enterprise, and reimagine academic programs and clinical care delivery. The successful candidate will have demonstrated academic leadership across clinical care, education, and research missions, along with experience in faculty development, mentoring, sustaining independent research funding, and maintaining a productive scholarly portfolio marked by peer-reviewed publications.

Unique Opportunities:

• Collaborate with world-class researchers in the University of Minnesota's Center for Immunology, an interdisciplinary research program devoted to advancing the field of immunology.
• Accelerate the pace of human-oriented autoimmune diseases research through the Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CADRe).
• Provide leadership for new and innovative clinical and academic programs.
• Utilize endowment funds from the John F Finn Arthritis Foundation Land Grant and Susan Barry Meckstroth Endowment for Lupus Research to support academic development within the division

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Rheumatology Division, aligning with the overall mission and goals of the Department of Medicine and the Institution
• Oversee the clinical, research, and educational activities of the Division
• Develop and enact a plan for divisional expansion and program growth
• Manage the Division's budget, resources, and personnel
• Recruit, mentor, and retain faculty and staff
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes excellence and innovation
• Represent the Division within the Department of Medicine, the Institution, and the broader medical community
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations

Clinical Care:

• Maintain a clinical practice in rheumatology, providing expert consultation and care to patients
• Work with the Service Line on clinical operations; ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care within the Division
• Promote the development and implementation of best practices in rheumatology care

Research:

• Promote and support research activities within the Division, including basic, translational, and clinical research
• Maintain an active research program and provide support for faculty research and scholarly activities tailored to individual interests
• Foster collaboration with other departments and institutions to advance rheumatology research

Education:

• Provide support and assistance to the Rheumatology Fellowship Program in developing and implementing innovative educational programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of trainees
• Promote faculty development in teaching and mentorship

Quality Improvement:

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, patient safety, and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Location:

Discover the vibrant heart of the Midwest by making Minneapolis-St. Paul your new home. The Twin Cities offer a rare blend of urban energy and natural beauty, with thriving arts and music scenes, award-winning restaurants, and over 10,000 lakes just a short drive away. Whether you're biking along the Mississippi River, exploring world-class museums, or enjoying year-round festivals, there's always something happening here. Known for being exceptionally family-friendly, the area boasts top-rated public and private schools, expansive parks, and a wealth of year-round outdoor activities. It's easy to see why so many people are proud to call the Twin Cities home.

Required Qualifications:

• Medical Degree (e.g., MD, DO)
• Board certification in Rheumatology
• Eligibility for medical licensure in Minnesota
• Meets The University of Minnesota Medical School criteria for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor of Medicine
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative experience.
• A strong record of clinical excellence and international reputation for outstanding scholarly activity
• Proven ability to secure extramural funding for research
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to inclusive excellence

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree (PhD, MPH)
• Human immunology and autoimmune diseases research expertise
• International recognition in the field of Rheumatic and Autoimmune diseases.
• Experience in developing strategy in clinical service line development
• History of successful mentorship of junior faculty with varied career goals
  

Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases:

The Division currently consists of eleven faculty (three at the rank of Professor, three Associate Professors and five Assistant Professors). The Division is dedicated to discovering novel therapeutic and management approaches to improve the lives of people with autoimmune diseases. The Division boasts subspecialty clinic faculty leadership and clinical trials expertise in connective tissue diseases including SLE, vasculitis, Sjogren's disease, inflammatory myopathy and systemic sclerosis.

The division currently holds four active NIH grants totaling over $5 million, including a T35 Training Grant, and activity in human and translational clinical research in the areas of human autoreactive B Cell antigen receptor diversity and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T and N cell research programs, aimed at assessing CAR-T and NT cell efficacy in severe autoimmune diseases.

The Division has a robust clinical practice in various M Health clinics that focus on complex autoimmune diseases, as well as a 24/7 consultation service for the Fairview-UMMC hospitals on the East and West bank of the University of Minnesota campus. Dr. Erik Peterson is the Rheumatology Service Line Director for M Health and oversees the clinical practice for our academic faculty as well as Fairview-employed rheumatologists.

The Rheumatology Fellowship Program has had long-standing success since 2008 with 4.0 FTE training at four sites in the Twin Cities, led by our Program Director, Dr. Parastoo Fazeli. The Division also has a current Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) fellow.

Pay Range: This role is dually employed by the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians. Salary at the University of Minnesota is dependent upon academic effort of the person hired, and begins at $55,000. Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through University of Minnesota Physicians. Total salary is competitive with market and based on AAMC salary benchmarks. Applicants should complete this application and also an application for a position with the University of Minnesota Physicians.

Time Appointment: 100% appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).