Title: Assistant or Associate Professor, Skull Base Neurosurgery

Department: Neurosurgery

Division: Surgery

Appointment Type: Full-Time Faculty

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This faculty position will work within the Skull Base Section with the Section Chief and will administratively report to the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, who reports to the Head of the Division of Surgery.

POSITION VISION

The Skull Base Section is looking for a faculty member who will add clinical expertise to the section and will also enhance the research program within the section and department. From the clinical perspective, the candidate is expected to be facile in the full spectrum of open and endoscopic approaches and will work with the multidisciplinary clinical team comprised of Neurosurgeons, Head and Neck Surgeons, Oculoplastic Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Additionally, the candidate will be involved in the radiosurgical management of patients will skull base and intracranial disease. Beyond a clinical practice in skull base surgery, the candidate will also be involved in the care of patients with non-skull base intracranial pathology. The candidate will receive close mentorship by senior clinical faculty in the section.

On the research front, the candidate will be expected enhance the section’s disease-based research programs. Opportunities for research exist within the realm of translational research, clinical research and data-science based initiatives. A robust infrastructure within the department and institution exists to help the candidate with developing the section’s research efforts. For well qualified candidates, a title recognizing their leadership role with research efforts would be a possibility.

The faculty candidate will also be involved with the education of different level trainees rotating through the section. This includes a dedicated Skull Base Fellow in addition to Neurosurgical Oncology fellows, residents and medical students. Teaching will not only occur in the operating room and clinics but also via participation in cadaver-based training courses. Specifically with regards to the Skull Base Oncology Fellowship, the candidate faculty member will be responsible for participating in the interview and selection process in addition to mentorship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Clinical

A. Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Provides specialized neurosurgical care for patients referred to the institution with cranial and skull base pathology.

Develops and maintains a focused skull base neurosurgical practice consistent with departmental clinical priorities. The candidate faculty is expected to be adept in the full spectrum of open and endoscopic surgical approaches and will be expected to have radiosurgery skills.

Provides physician staffing for outpatient clinics and inpatient neurosurgical services at a level commensurate with training and experience.

Performs complex neurosurgical procedures requiring advanced technical skill, judgment, and physical and cognitive dexterity.

Participates in the surgical and multidisciplinary tumor boards to facilitate treatment planning.

Practices neurosurgery in accordance with standards established by the Texas Medical Board, the American Board of Neurological Surgery, and institutional policies and procedures.

Completes all required medical documentation, operative reports, and clinical communications within established institutional timelines.

Reviews and approves procedural charge documentation and coding (ICD-10/CPT) in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Communicates effectively with referring physicians, patients, families, and multidisciplinary care teams regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, and outcomes.

Requests and coordinates appropriate medical consultations to support comprehensive patient management.

Participates in call coverage and other clinical service responsibilities as assigned.

B. Professional Representation

Represents the Department of Neurosurgery in professional activities related to skull base and cranial neurosurgery at the local, regional, and national levels.

Participates in continuing medical education activities to maintain clinical competence and professional development.

Disseminates relevant clinical knowledge and best practices to departmental colleagues through presentations or written communication.

II. Research

Engages in clinical, translational, or outcomes-based research aligned with skull base neurosurgery and departmental goals.

Develops and maintains scholarly activities appropriate to the Assistant Professor level, with evidence of academic productivity.

Participates in collaborative research efforts within the department and across institutional and external partners.

Contributes to peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and presentations at scientific meetings.

Pursues appropriate funding mechanisms to support research activities, consistent with career stage and departmental expectations.

Works with research personnel and institutional partners to implement research protocols, analyze data, and disseminate findings.

III. Education

Provides clinical teaching and supervision to medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees rotating through the neurosurgical service.

Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational materials and curricula in neurosurgery and the neurosciences.

Attends and contributes to departmental and divisional teaching conferences, tumor boards, morbidity and mortality conferences, and continuing education programs.

Serves as a role model for professionalism, ethical conduct, and academic excellence.

IV. Service

Participates in departmental, divisional, and institutional service activities appropriate to rank and appointment.

Contributes to peer review, quality improvement, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Completion of an ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency.

Fellowship training in skull base neurosurgery preferred.

Eligible for or licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas.

Board-certified or board-eligible in Neurological Surgery, with certification obtained within departmental timelines.

EXPERIENCE

Completion of formal neurosurgical training with demonstrated experience in cranial and skull base neurosurgery.

Experience consistent with appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in an academic medical center.