Tenured Professor: Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine & Director of Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging
The University of Minnesota Medical School seeks a driven and innovative leader to serve as the Inaugural Director of the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging (CGHA). This individual will have the opportunity to leverage the strong clinical, education, and research infrastructure of UMN to build the division into a national leader in geriatric and palliative care medicine. This recruitment is backed by substantial philanthropic support and institutional commitment, providing the incoming Director with the resources to build a nationally recognized program. These unique funds underscore the strategic importance of geriatrics, geroscience, and healthy aging to the Medical School, the University, and partners across Minnesota. The Inaugural Director of CGHA may also be appointed as the Founding Director of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine (GPM) in the Departments of Medicine (DOM) and Family Medicine and Community Health (FMCH). This position will also hold a tenured Common Paymaster Faculty position with the University of Minnesota and MPhysicians.
Role & Responsibilities:
Lead the Center for Geroscience & Healthy Aging (CGHA)
- Establish and scale the CGHAas a flagship enterprise for healthy aging—creating programsthat advance research, clinical care, and innovation;overseeing educationto build a skilled workforce; andextending clinical care and research into rural Minnesotato reach all communities across the state.
- Set the CGHA strategyand execution plan (near- and long-term) across discovery, translation, and implementation; align priorities with institutional strengths (e.g., iBAM, CHAI, CMRR/CCIR, Grossman Center, MN-GWEP, VA GRECC) to accelerate impact in geroscience, dementia, and age-friendly care.
- Grow faculty and programs: recruit, retain, and mentor basic, translational, clinical, and population scientists; foster team science and high-value collaborations; steward philanthropic and institutional resources to catalyze research cores, training pipelines, and clinical innovation.
Division Director, Geriatrics & Palliative Care (GPM)
- Set a strategic vision for the Divisionthat advances clinical excellence, scholarship, and education within the Medical School and health system; build a bold growth plan for geriatrics and palliative care.
- Recruit and mentor faculty and staffacross geriatrics and palliative care (with appointments in Medicine and Family Medicine & Community Health); champion faculty development and protect time for scholarly activity.
- Lead an age-friendly health system agendaacross inpatient and ambulatory settings, embedding the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) and person-centered, culturally responsive care.
- Build a robust research portfoliospanning geroscience translation, dementia/brain health, symptom science, serious-illness care, and implementation science; leverage informatics and clinical trials infrastructure (including opportunities such as a future NIA Pepper Center).
- Advance education and trainingfor UME, GME, and CME; partner with Hennepin Healthcare to expand geriatrics and palliative fellowships; extend statewide training through MN-GWEP and interprofessional programs.
- Promote inclusive excellencein recruitment, retention, mentorship, and advancement; partner with Medical School DEI leadership to ensure equitable policies, climates, and outcomes.
- Partnerships & alignment:coordinate with M Health Fairview, Minneapolis VA, and community partners to integrate research, clinical innovation, and population health—especially for rural and underserved communities.
- Stewardship & outcomes:set clear metrics for impact (patient outcomes, research funding, workforce training, statewide reach); ensure fiscal responsibility and effective use of philanthropic investment.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Medical degree (MD or equivalent) and board certification in a relevant field.
Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to be licensed in Minnesota are required.
Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
Record of clinical excellence and understanding of geriatric, palliative, and complex patient care.
Outstanding scholarship, including a track record of publications and extramural funding.
Demonstrated record in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong visionary, inspirational leader who can develop and communicate a long-term vision for the advancement of the division and is equally skilled at developing and operating a detailed plan to achieve that vision.
- Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect, and honesty; professional and personal demeanor characterized by integrity, graciousness, sincerity, and a passion for the organization’s mission and objectives.
- Exceptionally team-oriented; skilled at working well and partnering with providers across a large, complex organization and community.
- Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to be decisive, to conceptualize and analyze complex business opportunities, and oversee multiple projects.
- Demonstrated experience in recruiting, retaining, and mentoring a diverse and highly skilled cadre of faculty, staff, and students.
About the Department
University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a leading academic medical institution dedicated to innovation, patient-centered care, and groundbreaking research. As one of the top hospitals in the region, it combines cutting-edge clinical care with the resources of a major research university, creating an environment where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact. You will collaborate with leading experts in medicine, contribute to the advancement of healthcare, and play a pivotal role in training the next generation of medical professionals. Our institution fosters a culture grounded in teamwork, diversity, and lifelong learning, supported by competitive benefits and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Located in the dynamic Twin Cities metro area, this position offers not just a career opportunity, but a meaningful platform to help shape the future of academic medicine.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: This role is dually employed by the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians. Salary at the University of Minnesota is dependent upon academic effort of the person hired, and begins at $55,000.Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through University of Minnesota Physicians. Total combined salary is anticipated to be in the range of$250,000 – $410,000 and is based on AAMC salary benchmarks. Applicants should complete this application and also an application for the position with the University of Minnesota Physicians.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.