Hiring Department

Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment

Job Description

Autism Clinician Researcher & Research Division Director

Guru Har Krishan Saheb Professorship

Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment, University of Missouri

Open Rank, Open Track

The Research Division Director will play a central role in shaping and advancing the Thompson Center's interdisciplinary research strategy, fostering collaboration across clinical and scientific domains, supporting clinician-scientists and trainees, and expanding the Center's national research presence. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help guide the future direction of one of the country's most integrated autism and neurodevelopmental centers.

Clinical responsibilities will be tailored to the candidate's discipline, expertise, and research portfolio. Protected research time, startup support, and leadership responsibilities will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and role.

Facilities & Resources

The University of Missouri offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration as one of only six comprehensive public universities in the nation with medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, law, arts and sciences, and a research reactor on a single campus.

The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment is a nationally recognized leader in autism and neurodevelopmental care, research, education, and community engagement. Housed in a recently expanded 74,000-square-foot facility, the Center integrates clinical care, research, and training to improve outcomes across the lifespan.

Its multidisciplinary team includes experts in developmental pediatrics, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, behavior analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, education, and social work. The Center's collaborative model supports translational research, advanced phenotyping, longitudinal studies, and community-based implementation efforts, with partnerships spanning major initiatives such as SPARK, Simons Foundation, and NextGen Precision Health.

Closely connected to both the University of Missouri campus and MU Health Care, the Thompson Center provides access to diverse patient populations, statewide partnerships, and extensive research infrastructure. The holder of the Guru Har Krishan Saheb Professorship will benefit from the resources of the Thompson Center, School of Medicine, MU Health Care, NextGen Precision Health, and the broader University of Missouri research enterprise.

Educational Opportunities

The University of Missouri offers extensive educational and training opportunities through MD and PhD programs housed in the School of Medicine, including a campus-wide neuroscience PhD program, as well as programs within the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Health Sciences.

The Thompson Center plays a vital role in educating graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, interns, and other trainees across disciplines. The successful candidate will hold an academic appointment aligned with their discipline and will be expected to actively contribute to education, mentorship, and trainee development, as well as participate in departmental and university service activities.

Candidacy

The ideal candidate will value interdisciplinary, team-based approaches to autism and neurodevelopmental research and demonstrate enthusiasm for building collaborative partnerships across clinical, scientific, and community settings.

The Thompson Center is particularly interested in candidates whose work bridges discovery, clinical application, dissemination, implementation, and meaningful real-world impact across the lifespan. Candidates interested in helping grow a collaborative and expanding autism research program are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will foster collaboration across disciplines, mentor trainees and junior investigators, and contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and accountability.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MD, MD/PhD, PhD, or equivalent degree in medicine, psychology, neuroscience, public health, or a related field
• Clinical licensure in the state of Missouri (or eligibility/intention to obtain prior to start date, if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Track record of research productivity and scholarly accomplishments
• Demonstrated ability to establish or maintain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Research focus relevant to autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, programs, or research initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and administrative experience with diverse groups of individuals
• Experience leading or contributing to complex clinical research infrastructure, data systems, translational research initiatives, or multi-site collaborations

Application Materials

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should be prepared to provide:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement