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Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Neonatal Research Faculty (MD, PhD or MD/PhD position)

Division of Neonatology/Neonatal Diseases Research Program/Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO

The Division of Neonatology (Director: Dr. Steve Olsen), the Neonatal Diseases Research Program (Director: Dr. Venkatesh Sampath), the Department of Pediatrics (Chairman: Dr. Jeanne James) along with the Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI Director: Dr. Tom Curran) announce a national search for an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD scientist to conduct translational or basic science research in the areas of neonatal lung or gut injury. MD or PhD scientists studying the molecular mechanisms of neonatal diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, genome-microbiome interactions, and the developing gut-brain axis are encouraged to apply. The Division of Neonatology, the Neonatal Diseases Research Program, the Department of Pediatrics, and the CMRI are in an exciting period of growth and expansion.

The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (NDRP) is located in the seventh floor of Children’s Mercy Research Institute research tower attached to Children’s Mercy Kansas City. This is a a new state-of-the-art, nine floor, research building with greater than  375,000 total sq. feet of wet lab space. The new CMRI building houses the majority of CM investigators pursuing translational research, and is equipped several research cores including genomics, flow cytometry, imaging, GMP biologics, and a rodent vivarium. The NDRP has >1000 sq.feet of assigned extensive wet lab space on the 7th floor for current personnel and to facilitate future expansion.

The NDRP, which focuses broadly on the molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial and epithelial injury in the context of the developing lung and intestine, is funded by the NHLBI, NICHD, NIDDK, the March of Dimes, and local foundations. The laboratory combines human genetic studies, cell-culture models, microbiome analyses, transgenic mouse models, novel therapeutics, and translational studies to investigate the inflammatory/developmental basis of neonatal diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and rare infectious diseases. The laboratory currently employs 6 full time PhD and masters level scientists. Junior faculty and clinical fellows from Neonatology and infectious disease participate in the NDRP. We advocate a culture of discovery, innovation, team science and excellence. Access to an active neonatal genomic biorepository established by Dr. Sampath, that houses de-identified DNA samples from phenotypically well-characterized preterm cohorts, is available.

Active collaborations with the Children’s Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine (Director: Dr. Tomi Pastinen) are underway for advanced sequencing-based discovery of human genetic loci affecting several neonatal diseases, and include the use of single-cell sequencing to characterize cellular phenotypic alterations in pre-clinical models. The Genomic Answers for Kids Study (GAKS), pioneered by the Genome Center, is a one of a kind study characterizing the genetic basis of rare/undiagnosed diseases using advanced sequencing/epigenetic profiling. Several opportunities exist for collaborations with research faculty in the CMRI who study mechanisms of neonatal-perinatal disease including Dr. Robert Lane (Physician in chief), Dr. Todd Bradley (CPGM immunogenetic director), and Dr. Susana Chavez Bueno (Infectious disease) and Dr. Michael Soares (Center for Perinatal research). The Fetal Health Center (Medical Director: Dr. Timothy Bennett), which is dedicated to management to babies diagnosed with complex pathology/diseases, and includes a tissue biorepository, offers opportunities for research and collaboration. Other major centers of research excellence within the CMRI are Population Health and Precision Therapeutics.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, who thrives in a collaborative team science environment, with a demonstrated ability to lead research. The ideal candidate will have an emerging or established independent research program, with a track record of quality publications as well as K, R21, R01, or equivalent, extramural funding. Early career physician scientists who demonstrate significant promise will also be entertained. We welcome candidates with PhD, MD/PhD, MD, or equivalent degrees, pursuing research interests that synergize with current and future work in the NDRP and the CMRI. Expertise in endothelial signaling, immunity, animal model systems, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and stem cell biology as it pertains to developing lung/gut injury or other NDRP interests, are of particular interest. Candidates with an MD, or equivalent, must be board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and be eligible for a Kansas and Missouri Medical license. Appointment will be at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. Institutional commitment in the form of a start-up package and protected time is available and will be commensurate with track record and experience.

The Division of Neonatology at Children’s Mercy Kansas City provides clinical care in community Level II-III neonatal intensive care units and in our regional referral Level IV NICU. The Division of Neonatology is comprised of 34 neonatologists with a wide spectrum of interests, providing opportunities for candidates to collaborate and support for an individualized professional career pathway. New faculty have the opportunity to work in a range of clinical settings, including responsibility for delivery attendance for high-risk newborns, managing preterm and transitional issues, as well as attending in the Level IV NICU, with responsibility for infants with birth anomalies and other complex clinical conditions. The Home Ventilator Program and the Center for Infant Pulmonary Disorders collaborate with NDRP researchers and provide rich opportunities for translational research. Our faculty members are committed to evidence-based medical practice and promoting diversity, inclusion and equity. Division members are actively involved in the Vermont Oxford Collaborative and the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium to assess outcomes and collaborate for improvement.

The successful applicant must share our unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, collegiality, antiracism, and respect for inclusion of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Enquiries should be directed to Dr. Venkatesh Sampath (vsampath@cmh.edu; 816 234 3591) or Dr. Steve Olsen (slolsen@cmh.edu; 816 234 3591). Qualified candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter to physicianjobs@cmh.edu.

You may also apply directly usiing the link above.

Children’s Mercy Kansas City is an independent, non-profit, 390-bed pediatric health system, providing over half a million patient encounters each year for children from across the country. Children’s Mercy is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in ten specialties. We have received Magnet® recognition five times for excellence in nursing services. In affiliation with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Kansas, our faculty of nearly 800 pediatric specialists and researchers are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and educating the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.

The Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI) integrates research and clinical care with nationally recognized expertise in genomic medicine, precision therapeutics, population health and health care innovation. In 2021, the CMRI moved into a nine story, 375,000 square foot space emphasizing a translational approach to research in which clinicians and researchers work together to accelerate the pace of discovery that enhances care. We invite you to visit Children’s Mercy Hospital virtually at cmkc.link/PhysicianTour

For more information about Children’s Mercy Kansas City and about Kansas City itself, visit cmkc.link/TakeYourPlace.

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.
CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.
If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.