What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heersink School of Medicine - Open Rank-Division Director - Pediatric Infectious Disease position at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
Position Information
School/College
School of Medicine
Title
Heersink School of Medicine - Open Rank-Division Director - Pediatric Infectious Disease
Assignment Category
Full-Time
Rank
Open Rank
Tenure Status
Open Tenure
Payroll Status
Faculty 12
Job Description
Division Director of Pediatrics Infectious Disease, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Position Overview
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine invites applications and nominations for the position of Division Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. This national search seeks an accomplished physician-scientist to lead one of the most distinguished and historically impactful divisions in the field.
The Division is internationally recognized for its contributions to antiviral therapeutics, congenital and perinatal infections, vaccine research, and multicenter clinical trials. Faculty maintain robust portfolios of NIH and other extramural funding, publish in leading journals, and contribute to national policy and clinical guideline development.
Importantly, pediatric infectious diseases represent a core pillar of UAB’s strategic plan, I-4ward, underscoring the institution’s deep commitment to advancing discovery, innovation, and impact in this field.
A Legacy of Transformative Leadership
The Division was founded by Charles Alford in 1960s after returning from training in the laboratory of Nobel Prize recipient, Thomas Weller at Harvard, and established the research program in congenital and perinatal infections. The division has been shaped by internationally renowned leaders including Richard J. Whitley, Sergio Stagno, Robert Pass, Bill Britt, Suresh Boppana, Karen Fowler and David Kimberlin. Studies from this division provided fundamental knowledge of the natural history of perinatal viral infections, including congenital CMV and neonatal HSV infections, and laid the groundwork for antiviral development and testing of these and other viral infections.
Distinguished Current Faculty
The Division is home to a highly accomplished and collaborative faculty whose work continues to define the field and span:
- Multicenter clinical trials and therapeutics
- Translational and laboratory-based discovery
- Epidemiology, outcomes, and implementation science
- Global and emerging infectious diseases
- Improving healthcare access in rural population
- Mothers with HIV infection and infants exposed to or infected with HIV
Collectively, the faculty demonstrate exceptional success in extramural funding, high-impact scholarship, and mentorship of the next generation of investigators.
Unparalleled Growth Opportunity
A defining feature of this recruitment is the substantial expansion of research infrastructure.
With the completion of a new research building within the next year, the Department of Pediatrics will have significant new wet laboratory space available, creating a powerful platform for growth.
The incoming Division Director will have the opportunity to:
The incoming Division Director will have the opportunity to:
- Expand laboratory-based and translational research programs
- Recruit premier physician-scientists and PhD investigators
- Build integrated programs bridging bench, clinical trials, and population science
- Leverage institutional investment aligned with the I-4ward strategic vision
The Opportunity
The Division Director will lead a nationally prominent program and will be expected to:
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute a bold vision aligned with UAB’s I-4ward priorities
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing academic culture
- Strengthen institutional and interdisciplinary partnerships
Research Excellence
- Maintain an active, independently funded research program
- Expand NIH and other extramural funding across the Division
- Leverage new laboratory space to grow translational and discovery science
Faculty Development and Recruitment
- Demonstrate a proven record of mentoring successful investigators
- Recruit and retain high-impact physician-scientists and clinician-investigators
- Build an inclusive and future-oriented faculty
Clinical and Educational Leadership
- Ensure excellence in clinical care across pediatric infectious diseases services
- Strengthen fellowship and training programs
- Advance integration of research, education, and clinical missions
Qualifications
- MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent
- Board certification in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor
Required Experience
- National or international reputation in pediatric infectious diseases
- Sustained record of extramural funding (e.g., NIH) and high-impact scholarship
- Demonstrated leadership in academic medicine
- Proven success in mentorship, faculty development, and recruitment
Preferred Attributes
- Experience leading multicenter clinical trials or research networks
- Leadership roles in national or international organizations
- Experience building or expanding laboratory-based research programs
Environment
UAB is a premier academic health center with a deeply collaborative research ecosystem, exceptional clinical programs, and strong institutional investment in scientific growth. The Department of Pediatrics is poised for continued expansion, supported by new infrastructure, strategic prioritization, and a culture of innovation.
Children’s of Alabama is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive pediatric medical centers, providing care in over 20 specialties to children across the Southeast. As the primary site for pediatric care affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Children’s combines the strength of a leading academic institution with the heart of a dedicated children’s hospital.
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, with a metropolitan population over 1 million. The city is thriving with a growing restaurant and arts scene, charming neighborhoods, and many outdoor park and entertainment spaces. Birmingham is well located in the Southeast with easy access to lakes, mountains, and gulf beaches.
Summary
This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally respected Division with a storied legacy and exceptional future trajectory. The next Division Director will build upon the foundational contributions of Charles Alford, Sergio Stagno, Robert Pass, Richard J. Whitley and David Kimberlin, collaborate with an accomplished faculty including William J Britt and Suresh Boppana, and leverage major institutional investments to shape the future of pediatric infectious diseases research and care.
Required Qualifications
MD, DO, PhD
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F2884P
Open Date
07/16/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Nondiscrimination Statement
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Pre-employment Background Check
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement Plan