Position Overview

The Departments of Neurosurgery and Medical Oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital are seeking a full-time, board-certified or board-eligible Chief of Neuro-Oncology to join their internationally recognized multidisciplinary team at the Houston Methodist Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center—a key component of the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of the nation’s leading brain tumor programs, which provides world-class, personalized care for patients with brain, spine, and pituitary tumors. The Peak Center’s approach integrates neurological and oncological expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on tumor genetics, advanced imaging, and other cutting-edge technologies. The Center is committed to compassionate care, innovative research, and academic excellence.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead neuro-oncology services within the Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment that includes neurosurgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, and translational research.
• Manage inpatient and outpatient care for patients with brain and spinal tumors.
• Play an active role in clinical trial development and implementation, with opportunities to serve as principal investigator on existing and new trials.
• Engage in translational and basic science research, including ongoing projects involving immune modulation, mitochondrial-targeted therapies for glioblastoma, and magnetic field-based cancer treatments.
• Contribute to the academic mission through teaching, research, and publication.

Academic and Research Environment
The Houston Methodist Cancer Center fosters a dynamic academic and research environment. The Peak Center is exceptionally well-funded and supports a robust pipeline of clinical and laboratory-based research programs, including:

• An international trial involving oscillating magnetic fields for brain cancer treatment
• Mitochondrial chemotherapy for glioblastoma
• Immune system modulation in CNS malignancies
• Metabolomic profiling in glioblastomas, meningiomas, and pituitary tumors

Compensation and Academic Appointment

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package, including CME allowance
• Faculty appointment at Weill Cornell Medical College, commensurate with academic accomplishments
• Potential for an endowed chair based on experience and qualifications

Qualifications

• MD, MD/PhD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent degree.
• Credentials necessary to practice as a Neuro-Oncologist
  • via Neurology residency and Neuro-Oncology Fellowship
  • OR via Medical Oncology Residency with specialty expertise in Neuro-Oncology
• Eligible to obtain an active and unrestricted medical license to practice in the State of Texas.

• Collaborative and high performing in multi-disciplinary care environment; understanding of and willingness to thrive in a matrixed environment
• Demonstrated commitment to clinical excellence, academic scholarship, and collaborative care

Houston Methodist Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center

The Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center at Houston Methodist is a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary center of excellence dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of complex brain and pituitary tumors. Located within the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute and integrated with the Houston Methodist Cancer Center, the Peak Center combines cutting-edge clinical expertise with advanced technologies to deliver highly individualized, evidence-based care.

The center is led by a distinguished team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, neuropathologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists who collaborate seamlessly to manage both benign and malignant tumors of the brain and skull base, including gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic brain tumors, pituitary adenomas, and rare neuroendocrine tumors.

With a focus on innovation and precision, the Peak Center offers access to:

• Advanced neuroimaging and molecular diagnostics
• Minimally invasive and image-guided neurosurgical techniques
• Proton therapy and other leading-edge radiation modalities
• Clinical trials and translational research through academic collaborations
• Dedicated support services for patients and families, including neuro-rehabilitation, counseling, and survivorship care

Named in honor of Kenneth R. Peak, a prominent Houston philanthropist and brain tumor patient advocate, the center is driven by a mission to advance neuro-oncology care through scientific discovery, clinical excellence, and compassion. It serves as a regional and national referral destination for patients seeking the most sophisticated and comprehensive brain tumor care available.

Neal Cancer Center

The Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center stands as a beacon of excellence in cancer care, research, and education within the Texas Medical Center and across the Greater Houston area. Renamed in 2021 following a transformative $25 million gift from Dr. Mary and Ron Neal, the center is committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered oncology services. With eight locations throughout the region, it offers convenient access to advanced treatments, including surgery, immunotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials, ensuring that patients receive personalized care close to home.

The Neal Cancer Center is deeply invested in translational research, bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications to expedite the development of innovative therapies. Its three primary research programs—Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics, Innovative Therapeutics, and Cancer Prevention and Control—are spearheaded by leading scientists dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and prevention strategies . As a member of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), the center collaborates with top-tier academic institutions to accelerate progress against cancer . Through its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to cutting-edge research, the Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center continues to make significant strides in the fight against cancer.

CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas)

Houston Methodist Cancer Center is proud to be a leading recipient of funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)—a state-supported initiative aimed at advancing cancer research, prevention, and treatment. CPRIT funding enables Houston Methodist to accelerate groundbreaking research in cancer biology, drug development, and early detection, while expanding access to screening and prevention programs across Texas. These vital resources help support both innovative laboratory discoveries and community-based initiatives, positioning the institution as a key contributor to CPRIT’s mission of reducing the burden of cancer statewide.

Our Research

Research at Houston Methodist Cancer Center is deeply rooted in the belief that scientific discovery drives better patient outcomes. The center’s research portfolio spans the spectrum from basic science and translational studies to early-phase clinical trials. Investigators focus on critical areas such as tumor immunology, targeted therapies, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine. The Cancer Center collaborates closely with the Houston Methodist Research Institute, allowing seamless integration of lab-based discoveries into the clinic. Through partnerships with academic institutions, biotech companies, and national consortia, the center fosters a culture of inquiry, innovation, and continuous advancement in the fight against cancer.

Education & Training

Houston Methodist Cancer Center is committed to educating the next generation of cancer care leaders. Through comprehensive education and training programs, the center provides physicians, researchers, nurses, and allied health professionals with the tools they need to excel in oncology. Offerings include postdoctoral research fellowships, CME-accredited conferences, interdisciplinary seminars, tumor boards, and mentored research opportunities. Trainees benefit from a collaborative academic environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to faculty with global expertise in all aspects of oncology.

Residency Program

As part of its academic mission, Houston Methodist supports a robust Residency Program that emphasizes excellence in both clinical care and scientific inquiry. Residents rotate through high-volume oncology services and participate in multidisciplinary cancer management, gaining hands-on experience in medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. The program integrates teaching with active participation in research, quality improvement projects, and clinical trials, ensuring residents are well-prepared for both academic and community-based careers in oncology. Faculty mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered ethos create a rich learning environment that supports professional growth and leadership development.

Clinical

The clinical care offered at Houston Methodist Cancer Center is distinguished by its comprehensive, team-based approach to cancer treatment. Patients benefit from coordinated care delivered by nationally recognized specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, and palliative care. Each patient’s treatment plan is developed through multidisciplinary tumor boards and guided by the latest clinical evidence, precision diagnostics, and access to leading-edge therapies and clinical trials. The center prioritizes personalized medicine, supportive care services, and a seamless experience from diagnosis through survivorship, making it one of the region’s most trusted and innovative cancer care providers.

Houston Methodist Hospital

The Houston Methodist Medical Center, prominently situated in the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical center in the world — is a beacon of healthcare excellence and medical research. Deep-rooted dedication to pioneering patient care, this esteemed institution has consistently set benchmarks in both clinical and research arenas. The hospital’s affiliations with elite academic entities, including Weill Cornell Medical College, further its mission to provide world-class medical education. Consistently garnering accolades across numerous specialties, Houston Methodist stands as a global leader in the healthcare domain. Beyond its exceptional patient care, its commitment to groundbreaking research and innovation has positioned it at the forefront of medical advancements, making it a pillar of hope, healing, and discovery in the global medical community.

For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best—and safest—clinical care, advanced technology, and patient experience. That is our promise of leading medicine. Recognizing our dedication to excellence, U.S. News & World Report has named Houston Methodist Hospital the Best Hospital in Texas for 12 years in a row and recognized us on the Honor Roll seven times. In addition, we are nationally ranked in 10 specialties, with nine specialties in the top 20, and two of those in the top five. HMH also holds a prestigious position on Forbes America’s Best Large Employers List.

Houston, Texas

Life in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas, the nation’s fourth-largest city, offers a dynamic blend of Southern hospitality, cosmopolitan sophistication, and booming economic opportunity. With a population of over 2.3 million people and more than 7 million in the Greater Houston area, the city is known for its cultural diversity, robust economy, and vibrant lifestyle. It hosts the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, and is a global leader in the energy sector, with a significant presence of oil, gas, and renewable energy companies, as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center​​.

Culture and Recreation
Houston’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied, featuring world-class museums, theaters, and music venues. The Museum District boasts 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius, and the Theater District offers year-round performances by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, and the Alley Theatre. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy games from the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Houston Dynamo (MLS), while the city’s extensive park system, including Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park, offers numerous outdoor activities​

Education and Innovation
The city offers top-tier educational institutions like Rice University and the University of Houston, as well as highly rated public and private schools. Houston is also a hub for innovation and research, particularly in the medical and energy fields, ensuring it remains at the forefront of scientific advancement and healthcare innovation​.

Quality of Life
Living in Houston means enjoying a lower cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with affordable housing options ranging from downtown high-rises to suburban communities. The city’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity, offering everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to fine dining and international cuisines, making it a food lover’s paradise​​.

Climate and Lifestyle
Houston’s subtropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. This supports a lifestyle rich in festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmer’s markets. Despite its size, the city maintains a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home​.

Houston is a city of opportunity and excitement, offering a unique combination of economic vitality, cultural richness, and a high quality of life. Whether drawn by career prospects, educational opportunities, or the vibrant lifestyle, Houston provides a welcoming and dynamic environment for all.

How to Apply

Houston Methodist Hospital has retained the services of Academic Med to assist with this strategically important search. Academic Med is a retained executive search firm that specializes in recruiting physicians, scientists, and leaders for academic medical schools & health systems throughout the United States. This search is led by Gentry Zacheis, President of Academic Med, and Jim Hagood, Managing Director. Please direct your applications, inquiries, or nominations to Jim Hagood at jim@academic-med.com

EEO

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.