Division Chief of Nephrology

Overview

The University of Virginia School of Medicine invites applications for the position of Division Chief of Nephrology, reporting to the Chair of the Department of Medicine. The Chief will serve as the senior leader for the division’s clinical, research, and educational missions, providing strategic direction and representing the division within UVA Health and to regional and national partners. This is an exceptional leadership opportunity within an academic division committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery, and training the next generation of nephrology leaders.

Position Summary

The Division Chief will provide visionary leadership for all aspects of the Division of Nephrology. The successful candidate will oversee clinical operations, research strategy, educational programming, faculty development, and long-range planning. The Chief will play a critical role in advancing the division’s academic mission; supporting collaborative, multidisciplinary research; enhancing clinical programs; and fostering a high-performing culture.

Candidates must be a nationally recognized nephrologist with demonstrated excellence across the full spectrum of nephrology practice, have a sustained and active research portfolio, and a strong record of academic leadership.

Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Oversee inpatient and outpatient nephrology services to ensure high-quality, safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
• Collaborate with transplant medical director to ensure high quality academic kidney transplant program.
• Oversee our UVA Health System dialysis program caring for >800 dialysis patients in 12 dialysis facilities in Central Virginia.
• Partner with institutional and health-system leaders to develop, optimize, and grow clinical programs and care delivery models.
• Support initiatives that enhance clinical performance, value-based care, access, and patient experience.

Research Leadership

• Collaborate with CIIR Director to maintain a robust and active research program (basic, translational, clinical, or health services).
• Strengthen the division’s research enterprise through mentorship, collaboration, and expansion of extramural funding.
• Foster scientific innovation, scholarly productivity, and multidisciplinary engagement.
• Support and expanding research training of next generation investigators.
• Support and lead training of next generation investigators through current training grants (U2CTL1 and VA K-Tutor).

Educational Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Fellowship Program Leadership to support and enhance the nephrology fellowship program.
• Recruit and mentor fellows, improve curricula, and lead educational innovation to reflect evolving best practices.
• Promote excellence in teaching and mentorship for medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Lead strategic planning for the division, including faculty recruitment, retention, compensation strategy, and resource allocation.
• Manage budgets, administrative functions, and infrastructure supporting clinical, educational, and research missions.
• Promote transparency, effective communication, and a positive culture rooted in accountability, fairness, and collaboration.

Professional Representation

• Represent the Division of Nephrology within UVA Health and in regional, national, and professional arenas.
• Engage with societies such as the American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, Renal Physicians Association and the National Kidney Foundation.
• Enhance the division’s national/international visibility, partnerships, and academic reputation

About the Division

The Division consists of 32 full-time faculty members and 8 advanced practice providers and is positioned for significant growth across clinical services, research activity, and educational programming. The Division of Nephrology is a national leader in nephrology, providing dialysis care to more than 800 patients across 12 UVA Health Dialysis Facilities in Central Virginia and supporting a large, comprehensive kidney and kidney–pancreas transplant program. The transplant program performs approximately 225 kidney and kidney–pancreas transplants each year. The Division provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for patients with end-stage kidney disease, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, onco-nephrology, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and stone disease.

The basic research branch operates under the Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR) in a 9,000 square foot state-of-the-art open laboratory in Pinn Hall. The total research portfolio is nearly $5 million, supporting both basic and clinical research. The Division currently supports two training grants, including VA K TUTOR, an NIH R25 grant supporting undergraduate trainees, and IGNITE KUH, an NIH U2CTL1 training grant supporting pre- and postdoctoral trainees in kidney, urology, and hematology research. Faculty lead innovative work in kidney disease, transplantation, hypertension, and health services research. The next Chief will have the opportunity to shape the Division’s trajectory, expand its academic footprint, strengthen clinical programs, and support the development of faculty and trainees.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Nationally recognized nephrologist
• MD, DO, MD/PhD or equivalent degree
• Board certification in Nephrology
• Demonstrated excellence in nephrology clinical practice
• Active research program with evidence of sustained scholarly productivity
• Experience in academic leadership, including strategic planning, operations management, faculty development, and team leadership
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

Application Instructions

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply online and submit:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research Interests
• Personal Statement (Statement of Leadership and/or Teaching Philosophy)
• Contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For additional information about the position, confidential inquires, or nominations please contact:

Jessica Speth at js9rk@virginia.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu