Division Director, Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Department of Pediatrics University of Virginia School of Medicine
Charlottesville, Virginia The
University of Virginia (UVA) Department of Pediatrics and the
Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (NDBP) invite applications for the position of
Division Director . This leadership opportunity is ideal for an established academic physician or clinical psychologist with a passion for advancing care, education, and research for children with developmental disabilities and complex neurobehavioral needs.
Qualified applicants at the
Associate or Full Professor level are encouraged to apply. Candidates may hold an
MD, DO, or PhD degree and should be board certified (or eligible) in
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) ,
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) , or
General Academic Pediatrics . Clinical psychologists (PhD) with a strong focus on children with developmental differences and complex care are also encouraged to apply. Tenure eligibility will depend on the candidate s academic credentials and scholarly accomplishments.
Position Overview The
Division Director will serve as the strategic and operational leader for the Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, guiding its
clinical, educational, research, and administrative missions . The Director will work closely with departmental and health system leadership to set and execute a shared vision that aligns with the goals of the
Department of Pediatrics and
UVA Health Children s .
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Define and implement divisional goals that promote innovation, collaboration, and excellence in clinical care, training, and scholarship.
- Faculty and Trainee Development: Mentor faculty, fellows, and trainees while fostering a culture of inquiry, diversity, and continuous professional growth.
- Clinical Oversight: Lead multidisciplinary clinical programs across three primary Tracks of Care motor/medical complexity, autism and developmental differences, and at-risk child & family context.
- Education and Research: Oversee the longstanding ACGME-accredited DBP fellowship , support research and quality improvement initiatives, and expand the division s academic footprint.
- Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across UVA Health, the School of Education, and community organizations to improve access, outcomes, and innovation in care delivery.
The ideal candidate will bring
strong interdisciplinary leadership , experience in
autism, neurodevelopmental disabilities, or complex care , and a commitment to advancing clinical excellence and academic impact. Candidates with an
active research program are particularly encouraged to apply.
About the Division The
Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is nationally recognized for its leadership in training, research, and advocacy for children with developmental disabilities. The Division:
- Leads the HRSA-funded Blue Ridge Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, a long-standing interdisciplinary training grant.
- Receives over $1 million in state-level funding through the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) to expand primary care training in autism assessment.
- Maintains close collaboration with pediatric psychology , recently expanding to a new clinic at Riverside.
- Partners with family navigators, educational consultants, and allied therapy services (PT, OT, SLP, nutrition) to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care.
NDBP s patients are primarily
publicly insured , and the Division emphasizes
equitable access , with
bilingual faculty and integrated social work support. Division faculty also hold or have held
national and international leadership roles in their fields.
About UVA Health UVA Health is a world-class academic health system that includes the
UVA Medical Center ,
UVA Children s Hospital ,
Schools of Medicine and Nursing , and the
University Physicians Group . Highlights include:
- 735-bed Magnet -recognized University Hospital
- Level 1 Trauma Center , Level IV NICU , and NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
- UVA Children s Hospital , ranked the children s hospital in Virginia for four consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report
- National rankings in eight pediatric subspecialties , including pediatric neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and endocrinology
UVA Health is committed to advancing research, innovation, and education while providing exceptional, family-centered care throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
About Charlottesville Nestled in the foothills of the
Blue Ridge Mountains ,
Charlottesville blends rich history, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy. Located just 100 miles from Washington, D.C., the area offers outstanding schools, diverse arts and dining scenes, and abundant outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and skiing. Frequently named among the
best and happiest places to live in America , Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life for individuals and families alike.
Qualifications - MD, DO, or PhD (or equivalent)
- Board certified or board eligible in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) , Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) , or General Academic Pediatrics
- Eligible for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level (tenure or non-tenure track, as appropriate)
- Demonstrated record of academic achievement, leadership, and clinical excellence
- Eligible for medical licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia (if applicable)
Join Us This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving, mission-driven division at one of the nation s most respected academic medical centers.
Join UVA Health and help shape the future of care, education, and discovery for children with developmental and behavioral differences.