Neurodegenerative Disease Faculty Joint Appointments: Van Andel Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, and University of Michigan Health West

Physician-Scientist Positions In Movement Disorders

Van Andel Institute (VAI), the University of Michigan Medical School (UM), and University of Michigan Health West (UMHW) invite applications for two physician-scientist faculty positions focused on movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and related disorders.

This recruitment represents a strategic, long-term partnership among three organizations with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to advancing translational research and patient-centered clinical care in movement disorders. Together, VAI, UM, and UMHW have intentionally designed these positions to integrate discovery science, academic neurology, and high-quality clinical care within a collaborative, translational framework.

The shared goal of this partnership is to strengthen the translation of scientific discovery into clinical insight and impact for patients with movement disorders, while fostering durable, bidirectional collaboration between laboratory investigators and clinicians.

Position A: Research-Intensive Physician-Scientist (Movement Disorders)

This position is intended for a physician-scientist whose primary focus is laboratory-based, translational research in movement disorders, supported by a focused clinical neurology practice.

• Lead an independent, extramurally funded research program focused on movement disorders and related neurodegenerative conditions
• Conduct translationally relevant research that bridges fundamental discovery and clinical application
• Maintain a focused clinical practice in neurology that informs and strengthens their research
• Collaborate actively with clinicians and investigators across VAI, UM, and UMHW
• Contribute to mentoring, scientific leadership, and collaborative research initiatives within the partnership

Position B: Clinically Intensive Physician-Scientist (Movement Disorders)

This position is intended for a physician-scientist whose primary focus is patient-centered clinical care in movement disorders, integrated with meaningful participation in collaborative, translational research.

• Provide expert clinical care to patients with movement disorders
• Contribute to translational research through clinical insight, patient cohorts, clinical data, biospecimen collection, and leadership in clinical trials and observational studies
• Work closely with laboratory-based investigators to ensure clinical relevance and impact of ongoing research efforts
• Serve as a key clinical partner within the broader movement disorders research ecosystem

An independent laboratory program and federal research funding are not required for this role. Candidates with an interest in developing a larger research presence over time will be supported, and the balance of clinical and research activities may be tailored based on individual strengths and interests.

Research interests may include, but are not limited to:

• Neuroinflammation and glial cell biology
• Autophagy, lysosomal pathways and vesicular sorting pathways
• Protein pathologies and strains
• Synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction
• Biomarker and therapeutic development

Applicants employing novel technologies, experimental platforms, and disease models are especially encouraged.