Heersink School of Medicine Division Director - Pediatric Infectious Disease

Position: Heersink School of Medicine - Open Rank-Division Director - Pediatric Infectious Disease
Posting Details
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 HIVCollectively, the faculty demonstrate exceptional success in extramural funding, high-impact scholarship, and mentorship of the next generation of investigators.

Unparalleled Growth OpportunityA 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:

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…