Independent Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
School/College
School of Medicine
Title
Heersink School of Medicine-Open Rank-Neurosurgery (Independent Researcher/Resident Research Educator)
Assignment Category
Full-Time
Rank
Assistant Professor
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Payroll Status
Faculty 12
Job Description
The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a qualified and motivated faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor, tenure-earning, to serve as an Independent Researcher and Resident Research Educator.
As an independent researcher, the individual will develop and then maintain an excellent, extramurally funded independent research program in a neurosurgical-related area (50% - 75%). The criteria of research success are establishing an independent research program, regularly publishing in high quality, leading journals, and obtaining sufficient extramural funding for their research program. Other indicators of success include serving on editorial boards, study sections, and invitations to national and international research conferences.
As the Resident Research Educator, the individual will be responsible for the day-to-day facilitation of resident research education; mentoring; publication guidance; conference coordination (25% - 50%); reporting to the Residency Program Director and Department Chair. This role ensures that all residents receive structured, high-quality training in clinical, translational, and/or basic science research, aligned with departmental and institutional academic missions. This position integrates education, mentorship, and research infrastructure to promote scholarly productivity and prepare residents for academic neurosurgery careers.
In support of the Department's resident research education, responsibilities will include:
• Monthly meetings with residents - research designs, project troubleshooting, barriers to progress
• Journal Club support - interpretation of medical evidence, research design & methods (lead by MDs)
• Resident publication guidance - authorship, submission, quality targets (approximately 2-3 residents per year)
• Pre-research year oversight - project design regulatory approvals, team assembly
• Research year oversight: project completion, publication goals, conference presentations
• Certificate program advising - resident professional development, career pathways
• Monthly trainee research performance reporting (to Dept Char & Resident Program Director)
• Clinical faculty coordination - engagement as mentors and senior authors
• Galbraith Lecture and Scientific Session coordination - annual planning and execution (with support from the Chair's office)
• Participation in international research education programs and global neurosurgery training opportunities
• Compliance - Ensure all programs meet regulatory and accreditation standards
• Track and report research meeting attendance as part of monthly trainee performance reporting to the Residency Program Director.
The individual will be expected to establish annual milestones and deliverables and submit semi-annual reports on their progress of achieving the duties and goals for both the Independent Researcher and the Resident Research Educator roles. The individual's annual evaluation by the Department Chair and Residency Program Director will be based, in part, on how well they have accomplished these responsibilities.
For additional information about our department, please visit our website at https://www.uab.edu/medicine/neurosurgery
Required Qualifications

• MD, MD/PhD, or PhD in a relevant field
• Faculty appointment (or eligibility) within the Department of Neurosurgery or a related discipline at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, including peer-reviewed publications
• Experience mentoring trainees in research

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior leadership experience in graduate medical education or research training programs
• Experience in clinical trials, translational research, or basic science investigation
• Expertise in curriculum development and program evaluation
• Knowledge of the field of neurosurgery, including common conditions, surgical procedures, and evidence-based research.

Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F2823P
Open Date
04/16/2026
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)
About University of Alabama at Birmingham
To learn more about the University of Alabama at Birmingham click here.