Position Description

The University of Minnesota Medical School seeks a driven and innovative leader to serve as the Inaugural Director of the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging (CGHA). This individual will have the opportunity to leverage the strong clinical, education, and research infrastructure of UMN to build the division into a national leader in geriatric and palliative care medicine. This recruitment is backed by substantial philanthropic support and institutional commitment, providing the incoming Director with the resources to build a nationally recognized program. These unique funds underscore the strategic importance of geriatrics, geroscience, and healthy aging to the Medical School, the University, and partners across Minnesota. The Inaugural Director of CGHA may also be appointed as the Founding Director of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine (GPM) in the Departments of Medicine (DOM) and Family Medicine and Community Health (FMCH).

Role & Responsibilities

Lead the Center for Geroscience & Healthy Aging (CGHA)

• Establish and scale the CGHA as a flagship enterprise for healthy aging—creating programs that advance research, clinical care, and innovation; overseeing education to build a skilled workforce; and extending clinical care and research into rural Minnesota to reach all communities across the state.
• Set the CGHA strategy and execution plan (near- and long-term) across discovery, translation, and implementation; align priorities with institutional strengths (e.g., iBAM, CHAI, CMRR/CCIR, Grossman Center, MN-GWEP, VA GRECC) to accelerate impact in geroscience, dementia, and age-friendly care.
• Grow faculty and programs: recruit, retain, and mentor basic, translational, clinical, and population scientists; foster team science and high-value collaborations; steward philanthropic and institutional resources to catalyze research cores, training pipelines, and clinical innovation.

Division Director, Geriatrics & Palliative Care (GPM)

• Set a strategic vision for the Division that advances clinical excellence, scholarship, and education within the Medical School and health system; build a bold growth plan for geriatrics and palliative care.
• Recruit and mentor faculty and staff across geriatrics and palliative care (with appointments in Medicine and Family Medicine & Community Health); champion faculty development and protect time for scholarly activity.
• Lead an age-friendly health system agenda across inpatient and ambulatory settings, embedding the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) and person-centered, culturally responsive care.
• Build a robust research portfolio spanning geroscience translation, dementia/brain health, symptom science, serious-illness care, and implementation science; leverage informatics and clinical trials infrastructure (including opportunities such as a future NIA Pepper Center).
• Advance education and training for UME, GME, and CME; partner with Hennepin Healthcare to expand geriatrics and palliative fellowships; extend statewide training through MN-GWEP and interprofessional programs.
• Promote inclusive excellence in recruitment, retention, mentorship, and advancement; partner with Medical School DEI leadership to ensure equitable policies, climates, and outcomes.

Cross-Cutting Leadership

• Partnerships & alignment: coordinate with M Health Fairview, Minneapolis VA, and community partners to integrate research, clinical innovation, and population health—especially for rural and underserved communities.
• Stewardship & outcomes: set clear metrics for impact (patient outcomes, research funding, workforce training, statewide reach); ensure fiscal responsibility and effective use of philanthropic investment.

Required Qualifications

• Medical degree (MD or equivalent) and board certification in a relevant field.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to be licensed in Minnesota are required.
• Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.
• Record of clinical excellence and understanding of geriatric, palliative, and complex patient care.
• Outstanding scholarship, including a track record of publications and extramural funding.
• Demonstrated record in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong visionary, inspirational leader who can develop and communicate a long-term vision for the advancement of the division and is equally skilled at developing and operating a detailed plan to achieve that vision.
• Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, respect, and honesty; professional and personal demeanor characterized by integrity, graciousness, sincerity, and a passion for the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Exceptionally team-oriented; skilled at working well and partnering with providers across a large, complex organization and community.
• Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to be decisive, to conceptualize and analyze complex business opportunities, and oversee multiple projects.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, retaining, and mentoring a diverse and highly skilled cadre of faculty, staff, and students.

A welcoming view of the University of Minnesota campus in spring.

Unique Programmatic Highlights & Opportunities

The University of Minnesota offers a highly distinctive environment for advancing geriatrics, palliative care, and healthy aging. The new leader will have the opportunity to collaborate across an extraordinary set of institutional partners and leverage world-class infrastructure, including:

• Philanthropic Resources and Institutional Commitment  – The University of Minnesota has secured substantial philanthropic support and institutional investment dedicated to advancing geriatrics, palliative care, and healthy aging. These resources will be available to the incoming Director to accelerate faculty recruitment, program development, research initiatives, and clinical innovation. This unparalleled support reflects the strategic priority of healthy aging for the Medical School, the University, and health partners across the state.
• Department of Medicine (DOM) – one of the largest departments in the country, with more than 600 faculty, 250+ residents/fellows, and over $40 million annually in NIH funding.
• Department of Family Medicine & Community Health (FMCH) – consistently ranked #1 nationally in NIH funding for family medicine; home to the Minnesota Northstar GWEP and under the leadership of nationally recognized geriatrician Dr. Jim Pacala.
• Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI) – a School of Public Health–based hub uniting 130+ faculty/staff and 80+ community partners to advance interdisciplinary aging science and policy.
• Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) – an NIH-funded translational geroscience powerhouse, internationally known for senolytics discovery and biomarker development.
• Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team (Duluth) – a leader in rural and Indigenous dementia research, with $17M+ in NIH support and nationally recognized for culturally grounded approaches.
• Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) – an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with more than 500 faculty and researchers; home to the statewide Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network and strong focus on survivorship and disparities.
• Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR) & Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) – world leaders in ultra-high field MRI and translational imaging, including pioneering 7T and 10.5T human MRI, with unique opportunities to advance biomarkers of aging and neurodegeneration.
• School of Nursing (CASCI) – home to the Center for Aging Science & Care Innovation, gerontology-focused DNP training, and innovative projects in falls prevention, frailty, and culturally responsive elder care.
• Minneapolis VA Medical Center’s GRECC – a VA Center of Excellence with deep ties to UMN, supporting joint faculty appointments, geriatrics rotations, and collaborative dementia care and biomarker research.
• Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care – directed by Dr. Dongming Cai, the center integrates basic and clinical research in dementia, and is positioning for an NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) designation.
• College of Pharmacy – nationally recognized for Medication Therapy Management (MTM), with expertise in polypharmacy, deprescribing, and medication optimization for older adults.
• Program in Health Disparities Research (PHDR) – led by Dr. Michele Allen, advancing equity through community-engaged research that addresses health disparities across diverse and underserved aging populations.
• UMN Extension – a statewide presence in all 87 counties, providing unmatched capacity for rural and tribal engagement, aging-in-place strategies, dementia-friendly community programs, and caregiver support.
• Dementia Caregiving Innovation Centers – Dementia Caregiving Innovation Centers – Led by Dr. Joseph Gaugler, the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) and the EMBRACE Roybal Center pioneer new models of dementia caregiving and respite support. These programs strengthen UMN’s national leadership in caregiver science and ensure that aging research translates into meaningful impact for families and communities.
• Long-Term Care Quality & Policy Leadership – UMN faculty are nationally recognized leaders in improving the quality of long-term care, with particular expertise in equity, resident outcomes, and policy innovation. Dr. Tetyana Shippee, Professor of Health Policy and Management, has led influential NIH- and foundation-funded research on nursing home quality, disparities in LTC, and the development of culturally responsive care models. Her work has shaped state and federal policy discussions and complements UMN’s broader strengths in dementia caregiving, geroscience, and healthy aging.

Together, these assets create a unique ecosystem for the next Director to accelerate innovation in geriatric medicine, advance aging science, and expand UMN’s leadership in serving older adults across Minnesota and beyond.

Division Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Care

As the population in the United States ages (in Minnesota alone, the population of older adults will double between 2010 and 2030), the need for robust age-friendly healthcare grows. As evidence of its commitment to providing the best care for elderly patients, the DOM and FMCH will establish the Division of GPM to provide high quality, complex care, perform research relevant to advancing geriatric care, and to train the next generation of providers. The division will be the home to geriatricians, palliative care physicians, and PhD researchers. Outside of the division, there are also geriatric and palliative care providers in other academic and clinical units across the University of Minnesota and MHealth Fairview.

In addition, this person will serve as the Medical Director of the Healthy Aging Clinic. This clinic will be co-located with one of our off-campus neurology clinics that emphasizes dementia care within the full spectrum of neurology care. The vision for this clinic is to have clinical and translational research fully integrated into the daily activities of the clinic and will serve two populations. The first will be patients needing primary geriatric care and the second will be a population seeking advice and counsel on healthy aging and to participate in clinical trials to advance the field of healthy aging.

Reporting to the chairs of medicine and family medicine and community health the division director will lead a dedicated academic faculty with excellence in managing complex patients. The director will have oversight of recruitment, mentorship, education, and research initiatives while working closely with service line leaders at M Health Fairview to deliver age-friendly care at all clinical locations. Drawing on their own achievements in research and education, the director will encourage and support scholarship within the division.

In addition, there is an ACGME-accredited Geriatric Medicine Fellowship currently housed at Hennepin Healthcare. The faculty operating the fellowship have appointments at the University of Minnesota and this fellowship could be expanded and/or moved to the University of Minnesota. The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health operates the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship that has clinical locations throughout the Twins Cities. There are opportunities for the new division of GPPC to play an important role in that fellowship moving forward.

Director of the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging (CGHA)

The mission of CGHA will be to advance basic, translational, and clinical research in the field of aging in collaboration with the Masonic Institute for the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (MIBAM). In addition, it is expected that CGHA will collaborate with other centers and programs at the University of Minnesota including the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging and Innovation in the School of Public Health, and the Minneapolis VA Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center.

The Director will recruit faculty engaged in basic, translational, and clinical research in the field of geroscience. The Director will also have the opportunity to leverage substantial philanthropic resources, the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, and nationally recognized centers such as CHAI, the BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving, and related dementia innovation initiatives, ensuring a uniquely strong foundation for advancing aging science, training, and clinical care.

Key Programmatic Partners

Department of Medicine (DOM)

The DOM at UMN MS is the largest department in the School of Medicine, with over 600 faculty, 300 staff, and over 250 residents and fellows. The DOM has 11 divisions, including cardiovascular; diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism; gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition; primary care medicine; hematology, oncology, and transplantation; hospital medicine; infectious diseases and international medicine; molecular medicine; nephrology and hypertension; pulmonary, allergy, critical care, and sleep medicine; and rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

The DOM operates a large internal medicine residency program, which provides training at clinical sites throughout the Twin Cities metro region, including the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Regions Hospital in St. Paul, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, the Center for International Health, HealthPartners Wabasha Clinic, and the Community-University Health Care Center in South Minneapolis. The DOM also operates 14 clinical and research fellowships and five T32 training grants. The department boasts a strong research profile, with over $40 million in NIH funding and 99 grants. This includes 69 R grants, eight training grants, 14 K awards, two P and three U grants, and a DP2 award across 64 principal investigators.

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (FMCH)

The Department of Family Medicine & Community Health (DFMCH) at the University of Minnesota Medical School has more than five decades of history in training primary care physicians, offering ten family medicine residency programs (five in the Twin Cities and five across Greater Minnesota), alongside five fellowships. Home to 99 faculty members, DFMCH ranks as the #1 Family Medicine Department nationwide in NIH funding as of 2023. Under the leadership of Dr. James T. Pacala, MD, MS—professor, department head, and a geriatrician of national standing (past President of the American Geriatrics Society)—the department has become a cornerstone in geriatric education and research. Its initiatives include the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN GWEP), a federally funded initiative advancing geriatrics training and dementia-friendly care across Minnesota, with emphasis on underserved and rural populations.

Program in Health Disparities Research

The Program in Health Disparities Research, housed within the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, is a nationally recognized leader in advancing health equity through community-engaged research, education, and policy translation. Under the leadership of Dr. Michele Allen, MD, MS, the program partners with communities to identify and address the social and structural determinants of health that drive disparities across the lifespan. PHDR investigators employ mixed-methods and community-based participatory research to design and evaluate interventions that improve health outcomes in populations disproportionately impacted by chronic disease, including immigrant, rural, and American Indian communities.

For geriatrics and healthy aging, PHDR offers a critical platform to address inequities in aging, dementia care, and caregiver support, and to ensure that interventions developed at UMN are inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible across Minnesota’s diverse populations. By integrating health disparities expertise into geriatrics and aging science, PHDR strengthens the University’s ability to lead in both innovative clinical models and population health approaches that improve aging outcomes statewide.

Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI) and BOLD Dementia Caregiving Center

The Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (CHAI), directed by Joseph Gaugler, PhD—Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care & Aging—is a nationally recognized hub for advancing aging science, caregiving research, and policy innovation. CHAI unites more than 130 faculty and staff with over 80 community partners to strengthen the systems that support older adults and caregivers. Under Dr. Gaugler’s leadership, CHAI has developed innovative interventions for dementia care, caregiver support, and health equity in aging, positioning UMN as a leader in translating research into real-world impact.

BOLD Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving
Housed within CHAI, the Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure (BOLD) Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving is funded by the CDC to expand evidence-based programs and strengthen public health approaches to dementia caregiving nationwide. The Center has become a critical resource for scaling caregiver support, training public health professionals, and integrating dementia-friendly policies into community and health system practice.

CHAI also includes the nationally recognized work of Dr. Tetyana Shippee on long-term care quality and equity, positioning UMN as a leader in shaping evidence-based policy and improving outcomes for older adults in nursing homes and other LTC settings.

The Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism

The Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) is an interdisciplinary, trans- departmental research endeavor dedicated to advancing our understanding of the fundamental biology of aging. iBAM embraces geroscience, acknowledging that old age is the greatest risk factor for most chronic diseases, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease, and therefore discovering approaches to therapeutically target fundamental aging biology as a means to treat common co-morbidities of old age. This preclinical center, led by Laura Niedernhofer, M.D., Ph.D., and Paul Robbins, Ph.D, received over $10 million in new funding from the National Institute on Aging in FY21 and double that in 2022. With a collaborative research profile including biomarker and drug discovery research, clinical trials, and a T32 to support exceptional young scientists, iBAM is poised to serve as a strong partner for the Division of GPPC.

Grossman Center for Memory Care & Research

The Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, within the Department of Neurology at the University of Minnesota, is a leading hub for research, clinical care, and innovation in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Under the leadership of Dr. Dongming Cai, MD, PhD—Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center—the Grossman Center integrates basic, translational, and clinical science to advance understanding of memory disorders and to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Cai and her team bring deep expertise in the biology of aging, neurodegeneration, and dementia care, and are at the forefront of developing new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cognitive decline.

The Center collaborates extensively across the University, including with the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM), and the Minneapolis VA GRECC. Together, these partnerships foster cutting-edge work in imaging biomarkers, clinical trials, and novel interventions aimed at prevention and treatment of memory disorders. The Grossman Center is also preparing for an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) designation, positioning it as a critical collaborator for the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care and the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Aging. By aligning memory care research and clinical excellence with geriatrics and aging science, the Grossman Center provides a natural foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation at UMN.

Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team (MK-MDT)

The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team (MK-MDT) at the University of Minnesota Medical School—based on the Duluth campus—is dedicated to advancing brain health equity through community-based participatory research, particularly among rural and Indigenous populations. Their mission centers on culturally meaningful studies and interventions addressing dementia and cognitive decline, with a strengths-based, “two-eyed seeing” approach that integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. The team’s environment itself—anchored in a renovated downtown Duluth research space designed by a Minnesota Ojibwe architect—features ceremonial elements like cedar walls, a medicine wheel motif, and a smudging-capable ceremonial room to foster culturally safe engagement. MK-MDT is part of UMN’s broader Medical Discovery Teams initiative and contributes to the University’s leadership in rural and American Indian health equity research.

MK-MDT is currently piloting several major research projects that address dementia disparities. Among these, the five-year American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) project—funded with $10 million from the NIH’s National Institute on Aging—is creating culturally appropriate dementia screening tools tailored for Indigenous communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Mexico, and Ontario. In addition, the team received over $7.5 million in funding to support the Indigenous Cultural Understandings of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (I-CARE) project, which involves an ethnographic study of 224 American Indian/Alaska Native older adults (with approximately 184 diagnosed with ADRD) to develop culturally safe diagnostics and dementia care strategies. MK-MDT also leads the Center for Community‐Engaged Rural Dementia and Alzheimer’s Research (CERDAR), which explores rural dementia prevention, caregiving in home settings, rural epidemiology, technology-supported care, and increasing participation of rural and Indigenous communities in clinical trials. Their research also spans culturally grounded health promotion materials, caregiving models, and dementia surveillance systems, all designed to uplift the wisdom and contributions of elders—those revered as “Memory Keepers” in their communities.

Masonic Cancer Center

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) at the University of Minnesota is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center—established in 1991 and receiving its National Cancer Institute designation in 1998—serving as the state’s premier hub for cutting-edge cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. With more than 500 physicians and researchers spanning three UMN campuses and 14 colleges, MCC draws on major research themes that include carcinogenesis and chemoprevention, cellular and genetic mechanisms, immunology, cancer screening and survivorship, and transplant biology and therapy. It works closely with M Health Fairview medical facilities—including the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Masonic Children’s Hospital—to bring advanced clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies to patients across Minnesota.

Importantly, MCC leads the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network, a state-funded initiative delivering innovative prevention and treatment trials to rural communities, improving cancer outcomes statewide. Its Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) program reduces cancer burden through education, prevention, survivorship support, and direct engagement with underrepresented and rural populations—and offers internships to students from Minnesota’s ethnic and racial minority groups to foster cancer disparities research.

Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR)

The Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR) and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) at the University of Minnesota constitute a premier hub for advanced imaging science with exceptional opportunities for aging-related and biomarker research. CCIR houses state-of-the-art imaging platforms—including CT, PET/CT (such as the Siemens Biograph mCT with extended field-of-view technology), and MRI—supported by expert physicists, subspecialized radiologists, on-site cyclotron production of molecular imaging agents, and capabilities for MR coil design and quantitative imaging protocols. This makes CCIR a powerful resource for translational research in imaging biomarkers, especially for aging and neurodegenerative conditions.

Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR)

The CMRR is the world leader in ultra-high field MRI (7 Tesla and above), including pioneering development of the world’s largest human MRI (10.5T), pioneered advanced fMRI, spectroscopy, and pulse-sequence methods. The center’s interdisciplinary team excels in imaging physics, engineering, and signal processing—all fundamental to developing and deploying structural, functional, and biochemical neuroimaging biomarkers. CMRR researchers have received prestigious recognition—including awards for innovations in ultra-high-field MR and NIH Pioneer funding to study brain metabolism, CO₂, and pH changes in age-related brain function—which underscores their leadership in biomarker discovery and aging neuroscience. Together, CCIR and CMRR provide an unmatched infrastructure and scientific community to advance imaging biomarkers of aging—from molecular to system-level characterization, embracing healthy aging, neurodegeneration, and translational impact.

Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN-GWEP)

The Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN GWEP), headquartered at the University of Minnesota, is a five-year, federally funded initiative designed to elevate the quality of healthcare for older adults across Minnesota—including tribal, underserved, and rural communities. Driven by the mission to foster Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly care, MN GWEP has established reciprocal partnerships with academia, community organizations, primary care systems, and long-term care sites. This network—spanning eight community partners such as Fairview Health Services, the Minnesota Gerontological Society, and the Minnesota Board on Aging—has enabled the program to deliver integrated geriatrics and primary care training across 19 projects and transform numerous training clinics into models of Age-Friendly care.

To date, MN GWEP’s multifaceted efforts have achieved statewide reach and impact: 64 newly developed courses, modules, and teaching materials; over 1,100 items in the Age-Friendly Care & Education Collection; nearly 15,800 event attendees; more than 26,000 patients, families, and caregivers engaged; and over 2,200 health professionals, staff, students, residents, and fellows trained. The program has also piloted innovative interventions—such as embedding the 4Ms Age-Friendly “SmartSet” into the electronic health record at four primary care clinics—and is on track to extend Age-Friendly care across dozens of M Health Fairview community primary care clinics. In addition, MN GWEP leads robust dementia outreach, including Dementia Friends initiatives, statewide educational “roadshows,” and caregiver support programs that have reached thousands of families and direct care workers.

School of Nursing – Center for Aging Science & Care Innovation (CASCI)

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing supports geriatric excellence through its Center for Aging Science & Care Innovation (CASCI)—which spearheads interprofessional research, education, and practice to improve health care, quality of life, and nursing care for older adults from diverse backgrounds. CASCI offers key learning opportunities, including graduate-level study and continuing education programs—such as the Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP), Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP), and post-graduate certificates—all designed to enhance clinical and leadership skills in gerontological care.

On the practice and research side, the School of Nursing advances innovative, equity-focused aging health initiatives. Examples include Ready-Steady, an NIH-funded study reducing fall risk through community-based physical activity; DUET, a pilot study showing a 50% reduction in incontinence episodes among frail women; and culturally responsive education tools addressing American Indian elder care. Through the Adult & Gerontological Health Cooperative, faculty integrate these projects into broader research, education, and clinical models for older adults.

Minneapolis VA Medical Center’s GRECC

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center’s Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) is a VA-designated Center of Excellence serving Veterans across VISN 23 (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and the Dakotas). It advances geriatric care through integrated research, education, and clinical innovation—emphasizing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia diagnostics, age-friendly care models, neuroimaging biomarkers, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, mobility enhancement, and caregiver support. In recent years, GRECC has published influential research, delivered more than 4,600 person-hours of geriatric education, and managed millions in research funding.

The Minneapolis VA GRECC maintains deep academic ties with the University of Minnesota—offering geriatrics rotations for neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, pharmacy, and nurse practitioner trainees, along with interprofessional post-graduate fellowships. Faculty hold joint appointments across the VA and UMN, and the two institutions collaborate on dementia care, caregiver systems, training programs, and imaging biomarker development. With over 150 investigators and 500 active projects, the Minneapolis VA research ecosystem creates exceptional opportunities for collaboration in aging, geriatrics, and translational research at the intersection of clinical, engineering, and imaging sciences.

University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy is nationally recognized for its leadership in geriatric pharmacotherapy and medication safety, areas that are critically important for the care of older adults. The College pioneered Medication Therapy Management (MTM), a model of pharmacist-led care that has become a national standard and is especially impactful in addressing polypharmacy, deprescribing, and medication optimization in complex older patients. Faculty and trainees work across diverse clinical settings, including primary care, long-term care, and community-based programs, to improve outcomes for aging populations. The College also partners with Minnesota’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MN GWEP), bringing pharmacy expertise into interprofessional geriatrics education and age-friendly care delivery. With its strong research, practice innovation, and statewide outreach, the School of Pharmacy provides a vital resource for advancing safe, effective, and person-centered medication use as part of UMN’s broader healthy aging mission.

University of Minnesota Extension

As Minnesota’s land-grant university outreach arm, the University of Minnesota Extension plays a vital role in advancing healthy aging across the state’s urban, rural, and tribal communities. Extension specialists and educators collaborate with local partners in all 87 counties to deliver evidence-based programs that promote health, well-being, and resilience in older adults. These efforts include initiatives in falls prevention, caregiving support, nutrition and physical activity, aging-in-place strategies, and dementia-friendly community development. Extension is uniquely positioned to bring university expertise into community settings through workshops, training programs, and partnerships with county health departments, tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations.

For geriatrics and the Center for Healthy Aging, UMN Extension provides an unparalleled platform to scale innovative interventions statewide through telehealth, community education, and rural workforce training. Its deep community networks and commitment to co-created, culturally responsive solutions make Extension a critical partner in ensuring that aging research and clinical innovations developed at UMN reach older adults and caregivers in every corner of Minnesota.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, founded in 1851, is one of the most comprehensive and prestigious public research universities in the United States. With its flagship Twin Cities campus boasting over 50,000 students, it ranks as the sixth-largest campus student body in the nation. The university offers an impressive array of academic programs, including more than 150 bachelor’s degrees, 200 master’s degrees, and 100 doctoral degrees across 19 colleges and schools.

As a leader in research and innovation, the University of Minnesota Medical School has made significant strides in recent years. In 2023, it ranked number 24 among all medical schools for National Institutes of Health funding, securing over $295M NIH awards. This achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing medical discovery and improving healthcare outcomes. The Medical School’s research prowess is further evidenced by its ranking among the top three public research universities nationally, with more than 30 programs placing in the top 10 nationwide.

The Twin Cities campus offers an exceptional environment for both professional growth and quality of life. Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and innovation. The area has been recognized for its livability, ranking highly in various metrics including literacy, entrepreneurship, and health. With a vibrant cultural scene featuring 130 art galleries, 35 museums, and all four major professional sports leagues, the Twin Cities offer a perfect balance of academic excellence and urban amenities.

University of Minnesota Medical School

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School draws on over 135 years of improving medicine through education, scientific discovery, and giving patients innovative and compassionate care. The University of Minnesota Medical School is a world-class institution committed to innovation, diversity, and excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. The school offers:

• Academic Health: The Medical School is part of one of the premier academic health centers in the country. The University of Minnesota is the only school in the nation to have schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, and veterinary medicine all on one campus.
• Nationally Recognized Research: Our medical school is revered as a national research powerhouse, with more than 10 research centers and institutes. We have long been recognized for its pioneering and are a worldwide leader in family medicine, regenerative medicine, transplantation, global medicine, and basic science research.
• Our Dean: Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, is the Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Distinguished McKnight Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation. He is also the Vice President of Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Board Chair for the University of Minnesota Physicians, and co-leader of M Health Fairview
• Research: At the University of Minnesota Medical School, we’re leading the way to new treatments and methods of care. Our research serves as an economic engine that drives Minnesota’s health industry. We develop new health technologies, and we collaborate with Minnesota’s biomedical companies to bring these technologies to clinics and hospitals worldwide. We are finding better and faster ways to translate our laboratory research into clinical trials for patients—the only path to new treatments and cures.
• UMP University of Minnesota Physicians: For more than two decades, the University of Minnesota Physicians (M Physicians) has served as the multi-specialty group practice for the University of Minnesota Medical School faculty. The organization supports the land grant mission of the University by delivering high-quality, innovative, and leading-edge care to patients across Minnesota and beyond. M Physicians is home to world-leading experts in a wide range of specialties and primary care. The organization is dedicated to the discovery of cures and treatments and offers patients access to the latest evidence-based care. University of Minnesota Physicians owns and operates specialty and family medicine clinics, employs more than 1,200 physicians and 2,400 providers and staff, and contributes a significant portion of operating revenue to support the University of Minnesota Medical School’s research and education priorities.

M Health Fairview

M Health Fairview is a partnership between the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services that launched in 2019 to develop an academic health system. This enterprise brings together clinical innovation and training from UMN MS and Fairview’s extensive roots in community medicine, providing access to cutting edge care across the state. M Health Fairview has over 34,000 employees (including over 3,000 providers) with more than 100 specialties in ten hospital and medical centers and numerous clinics across Minnesota. M Health Fairview uses a service line model with dyad leadership representing UMN MS and Fairview to ensure alignment between academic and community practice. It is co-led by Dean Jakub Tolar and Fairview CEO James Hereford.

Twin Cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul

The Twin Cities, comprising Minneapolis and St. Paul, offer a vibrant and dynamic environment that is both an economic powerhouse and a cultural hub. With a combined population of nearly 3 million, the metropolitan area is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, including industry leaders such as 3M, Target, and UnitedHealth Group. This strong economic foundation is complemented by a highly educated workforce and one of the lowest unemployment rates among large metro areas in the country. The region is consistently recognized for its quality of life, with U.S. News & World Report ranking Minnesota as the fifth best state for opportunity, natural environment, infrastructure, economy, and health care.

Beyond its economic strengths, the Twin Cities boast an exceptional cultural scene that attracts creative professionals and families alike. The area is renowned for its diverse arts and music offerings, featuring numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive parks and trails system, which includes over 340 miles of interconnected trails and 52 regional parks that welcome more than 47 million visitors annually. The Twin Cities also offer a rich culinary landscape with award-winning restaurants and food trucks, making it a delightful place for food lovers. Whether enjoying professional sports or exploring local festivals, residents find ample opportunities for recreation and community engagement throughout the year.

• The population of the Twin Cities metropolitan area is currently over 3.2 million people
• The Twin Cities offer an exceptional quality of life, combining urban amenities with natural beauty:
• Thriving economic center with 17 Fortune 500 companies
• Consistently ranked among the nation’s most livable cities
• Extensive parks, lakes, and trail systems
• Vibrant arts and culture scene, including world-class museums and theatres
• Excellent public transportation, including light rail connecting downtown areas
• Diverse and welcoming communities
• Four distinct seasons with year-round outdoor activities

Fortune 500 Companies in MSP

Minneapolis proper contains the 5th highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the country. The presence of the corporate headquarters for companies such as Target, US Bancorp, Xcel Energy and Ameriprise Financial provide a growing economy with great job opportunities for a candidate’s spouse or family.

Arts & Culture

Additionally, an exciting arts and music scene, exceptional shopping, award-winning restaurants, wineries and craft breweries, and distinctive accommodations can be found throughout the area. Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to do – even when temperatures dip, the variety of fun outdoor adventures does not. Sports fans cheer on their favorite team year-round. Big city bustle or small-town charm, anyone can find the activity that suits them in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Area.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a metropolitan area in the heart of the Midwest, and the largest city in the state of Minnesota. It offers a high quality of life, excellent public schools, and a strong economy, consistently ranking as one of the best places to live in the United States. The area boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and music venues, as well as extensive park systems, lakes, and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hub for Medical Innovation & Research

Minneapolis-Saint Paul is recognized as a hub for medical innovation and research, with numerous healthcare organizations, including the world-renowned University of Minnesota Medical School, located in the region. Despite its many amenities, the area has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Twin Cities – A Rich History

The Twin Cities also have a rich history of diversity and inclusion, and the University of Minnesota is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Additionally, Minneapolis-Saint Paul has a well-developed transportation system, including a light rail system, bus network, and extensive bike paths, making it easy to get around without a car. Overall, Minneapolis-Saint Paul offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and cultural diversity that make it an attractive location for professionals in a variety of fields, including medicine and healthcare.

How to Apply

The University of Minnesota Medical School has retained the services of Academic Med, a national executive search firm that specializes in Academic Medicine, to assist with this strategically important search. The search for this esteemed position is being conducted by Gentry Zacheis, President & CEO of Academic Med & Jim Hagood, Managing Principal & Co-Founder of Academic Med. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with confidentiality.

Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to:

• Jim Hagood, Managing Principal of Academic Med: ji*@**********ed.com
• Gentry Zacheis, President & CEO of Academic Med: ge****@**********ed.com

Application Deadline
The position will be open for applications until 5:00 PM CST on Monday, November 3, 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered by the Search Committee.

Compensation & Benefits

This role is dually employed by the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Physicians. Salary for the faculty role (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) at the University of Minnesota is dependent upon academic effort of the person hired and begins at $55,000. Clinical salary, aligned with clinical effort, is provided through University of Minnesota Physicians. Total salary of academic effort, clinical effort, division head, and center director is competitive with market and based on AAMC salary benchmarks and will be between $250,000 – $410,000.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.