Movement Disorders Division Director

About this 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. 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.  

Key Program Highlights • 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 c linic 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.

Position Responsibilities 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, reg

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