"Distinguished Professor and Chair - Neurosurgery"

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina (UNC) seeks a nationally recognized academic leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished neurosurgeon with exceptional clinical expertise, a strong record in education and research, and proven leadership skills to inspire, mentor, and develop faculty and staff while advancing the department’s growth and global reputation. Candidates should demonstrate success in fostering collaborative clinical programs, educational innovation, research enterprise development, team building, and community engagement.

About the Department

UNC Neurosurgery is committed to the principles of leading, teaching, and caring. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates with specialists in neurology, oncology, otolaryngology, radiology, and radiation oncology to provide comprehensive care. Clinical services include treatment for aneurysms and cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, epilepsy and functional neurosurgery, spine and head trauma, hydrocephalus, pituitary and skull base surgery, spinal neurosurgery, and pediatric and fetal neurosurgery.

Recent growth includes recruitment of surgeon-scientists, master clinicians, and a talented medical illustration team. The department has opened a new outpatient center at the ACC and introduced advanced technologies such as LITT, robotics, and high/low-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU/LIFU). New programs include peripheral nerve and spinal oncology. Research funding reached $2.52M in grants and $2.95M in philanthropic support, and rankings have improved in Blue Ridge and U.S. News & World Report.

Clinical and Research Excellence

UNC Neurosurgery provides advanced adult services in Chapel Hill and pediatric clinics in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington. Facilities include a state-of-the-art spine and imaging center and a 22-bed neuroscience ICU.

The department emphasizes team science, partnering with:

• UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Biomedical Research Imaging Center
• Eshelman School of Pharmacy
• Gillings School of Global Public Health
• Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center

as well as national collaborators.

Education and Training

We offer a forward-thinking residency program, accepting two residents annually for a seven-year curriculum covering all major subspecialties. Trainees have access to a surgical simulation lab and may pursue an intra-residency UNC master’s degree in research.

Leadership Role

The Chair will oversee all aspects of the department, including clinical care, research, education, and fiscal management, aligning with the strategic goals of the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health. Chairs collaborate weekly to advance the School’s mission.

This position is at the level of tenured Professor with an endowed chair; rank and track will be determined upon selection. The role includes a primary faculty appointment in Neurosurgery and a secondary EHRA Non-Faculty administrative appointment as Department Chair.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Minimum qualifications include an M.D./D.O. degree with board certification in Neurological Surgery. Candidates must be able to secure a North Carolina medical license and be eligible to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Chosen candidate will possess a distinguished record of research accomplishment, a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education and diversity, and clear demonstration of the qualities needed to lead and manage a distinguished public academic department.

Posting Information

• Department: Med Ad-Deans Office - 420104
• Posting Open Date: 01/09/2026
• Application Deadline: Not specified
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty
• Appointment Type: Tenured/Tenure Track
• Vacancy ID: FAC0005786
• Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• FTE: 1
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: Dependent on Qualifications
• Proposed Start Date: 07/01/2026

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents:

• Other Document