The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (UAB HSOM*) Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases** seeks an expert in interdisciplinary research in pediatric infectious diseases to serve as the inaugural Helen and Robert Whitley Endowed Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases.

The Opportunity

Richard J. Whitley, M.D., the Loeb Eminent Scholar Chair in Pediatrics, has made a generous gift in memory of his parents to establish the Helen and Robert Whitley Endowed Chair in the Department of Pediatrics.

The inaugural Helen and Robert Whitley Endowed Chair will be a collaborative academic and institutional leader with an excellent track record of success in interdisciplinary research and administrative domains related to the field of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a progressive and visionary leader to advance a well-established program at a storied institution with significant ongoing growth and opportunities within a new Immunology Institute in the UAB School of Medicine. The ideal candidate will be committed to significant contributions in mentorship, recruitment, collaboration, and diversity and equal opportunity.

The research laboratory of this individual will be located in dedicated space amongst other infectious disease researchers at the institution. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to further develop a program through the recruitment of new hires.

This full-time position offers competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package. Qualified candidates should be able to demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, or service in qualifying for the appointment to the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. Tenure status is open and salary will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate

Candidate Profile

The inaugural Chair will possess the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and a minimum of 10 years of postgraduate experience in a field relevant to the broad scope of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (including but not limited to: virology, antiviral therapeutics and drug discovery, viral immunology and vaccines, etc.)
• Nationally and Internationally recognized basic scientist or physician scientist with a proven track record of obtaining and maintaining independent, NIH/federally-funded or similar extramural research support and high impact publications in the field of infectious diseases
• Extensive experience working with NIH
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset, team-oriented
• High level interpersonal skills

About the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases has a longstanding, internationally renowned record in viral research, primarily the study of herpesvirus infections and antiviral therapeutics, from bench to bedside. Research programs of scientists in the Division include molecular virology and host-virus interactions, viral epidemiology and diagnostics, in vitro and in vivo assessments of novel antiviral agents, investigations of mechanisms of antiviral resistance, and the development and conduct of large international clinical trials of antiviral therapies for rare viral diseases. Collaborating with neuroscientists at UAB, Division scientists also have developed and evaluated genetically engineered herpes simplex virus for the treatment of brain tumors. And in close partnership with Southern Research, the Division guides a robust drug discovery program that most recently is notable for the discovery of remdesivir’s activity against coronavirus, leading to the worldwide evaluation of this new antiviral drug for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. There are nine physician researchers and three PhDs in the Division, with approximately $14 million annually in NIH and CDC funding. Division researchers lead four national and international networks of clinical collaborators on bench-to-bedside-to-bench research that has resulted in 13 drug indications and label changes.

Additionally, ongoing virology research collaborative opportunities in other departments and schools at UAB involve molecular virology, virus/host interactions, virus/microbiome interactions, structural virology, and host immunity. Specific clinical and translational projects in the United States and global sites focus on COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses CMV, HCV, HBV, HPV, and HIV.

The UAB Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases has nationally recognized expertise and firmly established multidisciplinary programs. This position will provide opportunities for growth of divisional programs, as well as opportunities for collaborations with other distinguished programs within UAB.

About UAB

UAB Heersink SOM** is a multi-campus medical school with its main campus in Birmingham and three regional campuses in Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. With more than 1,700 full-time faculty and almost 2,000 medical and graduate students, the Heersink SOM ranks 21st nationally in NIH research funding and in the top 8 for all public institutions. Three departments within the Heersink SOM are ranked in the top 10 for NIH funding in 2021: Dermatology - #2; Microbiology - #9; Biomedical Engineering - #10.

UAB currently is experiencing major and sustained investment and growth, due to both its exceptional research faculty and its culture of collaboration. UAB, through concerted and strategic investments in its clinical and research enterprise, has undergone an amazing transformation in the past five years and has strengthened its status and reputation as a leader in medical training, biomedical discovery, innovation, and patient care.

UAB has been named the Best Large Employer by Forbes in 2021 and is ranked #4 for diversity. Driven by an intensely collaborative and entrepreneurial character, UAB is one of the leading economic engines of the State, with a nearly $4 billion budget and a statewide economic impact exceeding $7 billion annually. UAB is Alabama’s largest employer with more than 23,000 employees; it supports more than 64,000 jobs statewide. UAB received nearly $849 million in research gratns and extramural awards for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2021.

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.

UAB Heersink SOM is located in Birmingham, Alabama***. Relocation to the Birmingham area is required for this role. 

Nomination and Application Procedure

The UABSOM welcomes inquiries, nominations, and applications. To receive full consideration, interested individuals should electronically submit a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest. The letter of interest is a brief cover letter detailing your experience and key achievements related to this position and your thoughts on how you see yourself contributing to the programs and responsibilities described in this position specification. Letters should be addressed to the UAB Search Committee and submitted through the online portal. Materials will be reviewed immediately and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. All inquiries should be sent to Josh Carter, Ph.D., Executive Director for UABSOM Strategic Leadership Recruitment by emailing mcarter1@uab.edu.

Relocation to the Birmingham, Alabama*** area is required for this role.

To apply, please visit: https://uab.peopleadmin.com/postings/7529

*For more information about UAB SOM, please visit: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/home/

**For more information about the UAB Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases visit: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/peds/infectious-diseases

***For more information about Birmingham, please visit: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/home/about/birmingham

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans. Physicians and other clinical faculty candidates who will be employed by the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation (UAHSF) or other UAB Medicine entities, must successfully complete a pre-employment drug and nicotine screen to be hired. A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.