Distinguished Professor and Chair - Neurosurgery

Company: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research. Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond. Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce. Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research. 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, and the 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. Please apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/311709 The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Keywords: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Raleigh , Distinguished Professor and Chair - Neurosurgery, Healthcare , Chapel Hill, North Carolina