Heersink School of Medicine-Open Rank-Neurosurgery (Independent Researcher/Resident Research Educator)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Portal•Birmingham, AL

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a qualified and motivated faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor, tenure-earning, to serve as an Independent Researcher and Resident Research Educator. As an independent researcher, the individual will develop and then maintain an excellent, extramurally funded independent research program in a neurosurgical-related area (50% – 75%). The criteria of research success are establishing an independent research program, regularly publishing in high quality, leading journals, and obtaining sufficient extramural funding for their research program. Other indicators of success include serving on editorial boards, study sections, and invitations to national and international research conferences. As the Resident Research Educator, the individual will be responsible for the day-to-day facilitation of resident research education; mentoring; publication guidance; conference coordination (25% – 50%); reporting to the Residency Program Director and Department Chair. This role ensures that all residents receive structured, high-quality training in clinical, translational, and/or basic science research, aligned with departmental and institutional academic missions. This position integrates education, mentorship, and research infrastructure to promote scholarly productivity and prepare residents for academic neurosurgery careers.

Requirements

MD, MD/PhD, or PhD in a relevant field
Faculty appointment (or eligibility) within the Department of Neurosurgery or a related discipline at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, including peer-reviewed publications
Experience mentoring trainees in research

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience in graduate medical education or research training programs
Experience in clinical trials, translational research, or basic science investigation
Expertise in curriculum development and program evaluation
Knowledge of the field of neurosurgery, including common conditions, surgical procedures, and evidence-based research.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an excellent, extramurally funded independent research program in a neurosurgical-related area (50% – 75%).
Facilitate resident research education, mentoring, and publication guidance (25% – 50%).
Coordinate conferences and reporting to the Residency Program Director and Department Chair.
Ensure residents receive structured, high-quality training in clinical, translational, and/or basic science research.
Conduct monthly meetings with residents for research designs, project troubleshooting, and addressing barriers to progress.
Support Journal Club activities, focusing on interpretation of medical evidence, research design, and methods.
Provide resident publication guidance, including authorship, submission, and quality targets.
Oversee the pre-research year, including project design, regulatory approvals, and team assembly.
Oversee the research year, focusing on project completion, publication goals, and conference presentations.
Advise on the certificate program, focusing on resident professional development and career pathways.
Provide monthly trainee research performance reporting to the Department Chair and Residency Program Director.
Coordinate with clinical faculty for engagement as mentors and senior authors.
Coordinate the Galbraith Lecture and Scientific Session, including annual planning and execution.
Participate in international research education programs and global neurosurgery training opportunities.
Ensure all programs meet regulatory and accreditation standards.
Track and report research meeting attendance as part of monthly trainee performance reporting.