Search for the Chair, Department of Neurology Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
The Keck School of Medicine (Keck School) of the University of Southern California (USC) invites applications for a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the next Chair of the Department of Neurology.
The Department of Neurology holds national distinction in neuroscience research, ranked among the top programs in the country (#5) by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, and is home to accomplished clinicians and physician-scientists whose contributions span Alzheimer's disease, neuroimaging, biomarker science, headache medicine, and beyond. The Department comprises 75 full-time faculty, 45 staff members, 24 USC+LA General residents, and 17 fellows (ACGME and non-ACGME) across a breadth of subspecialties. The next Chair will build on the foundation developed by Dr. Helena Chui and others over decades to advance the Department's clinical, research, and educational missions and to position Neurology as the central driver of USC's neurosciences enterprise and a defining force in academic neurology nationally.
Keck Medicine of USC (Keck Medicine) is in a period of important clinical growth and expansion, and the next Chair will join the Keck School at a moment of sustained institutional momentum. Under the leadership of Dean Carolyn Meltzer, the Keck School is advancing a bold strategic roadmap focused on discovery, translational science, community engagement, and educational innovation. USC has launched a $3 billion fundraising campaign in support of the health sciences, and Keck Medicine continues to expand its clinical reach, encompassing Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, and more than 40 outpatient clinics across Southern California. The Department of Neurology is exceptionally well-positioned to expand its clinical and translational footprint, leveraging its research strength to drive growth in clinical programs, clinical trials infrastructure, and innovative educational initiatives, further developing a robust clinical trials program, and the development of new educational programs, including a new Keck USC residency launching in 2027. The new Chair will inherit a solid foundation from which to pursue these many opportunities.
Reporting to Dean Meltzer, the next Chair will lead a motivated, collaborative faculty that is eager and invested in the Department's future. They will work within a rich and dynamic neurosciences environment, one that includes major research institutes, a close and collaborative relationship with clinical partners such as neurosurgery and psychiatry, and growing philanthropic interest in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, headache, and brain health. The next Chair will bring the leadership maturity, emotional intelligence, and professional integrity to build trust and advance shared priorities across a high-achieving, matrixed community.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished physician-scientist with a demonstrated record of clinical excellence, research leadership, and proven organizational talents to build and sustain high-performing teams. To be successful, the Chair will build on the Department's strengths while addressing the key opportunities and challenges outlined in this document:
Define and Execute a Strategy that Establishes a Distinct and Nationally Recognized Departmental Identity
Expand Clinical Volume, Operational Scale, and Patient Access Across Keck USC Sites
Maintain, Protect, and Expand Research Programs with National Distinction
Recruit, Develop, and Retain Outstanding Faculty and Staff
Shape the Next Generation of Training and Education Programs
Unite the Neurosciences as Both a Driver and a Collaborative Partner
Ensure Financial Strength and Cultivate Philanthropy and Grateful Patient Relationships
The successful candidate must have an MD or MD/PhD, board certification in Neurology, and a record commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor.
The anticipated compensation for this position is a is $611,000 - $850,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available. The new Chair's compensation will be commensurate with related experience and qualifications. USC offers an inspiring higher education environment and excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off. Learn more about USC Employee benefits at https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks.
David Bellshaw, Katie White, and Salem Adeisu Isaacson, Miller | imsearch.com
USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting uschr@usc.edu.