Neonatal Research Faculty (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD)

Neonatal Research Faculty (MD, PhD or MD/PhD)

Division of Neonatology/Neonatal Diseases Research Program/Children’s Mercy Kansas City

The Division of Neonatology (Director: Dr. Steve Olsen) and the Neonatal Diseases Research Program (Director: Dr. Venkatesh Sampath), along with the Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI Director: Dr. Tom Curran) announce a national search for an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD scientist to conduct translational or basic science research in the areas of neonatal lung or gut injury. MD or PhD scientists studying the molecular mechanisms of neonatal diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, genome-microbiome interactions, and the developing gut-brain axis are encouraged to apply. The Division of Neonatology, the Neonatal Diseases Research Program, and the CMRI are in an exciting period of research growth and expansion.

The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (NDRP) is located in the new state-of-the-art, nine floor, CMRI research building in 2020 (375,000 total sq. feet). The new CMRI building houses the majority of CM investigators pursuing translational research, and is equipped with a full complement of research cores including genomics, flow cytometry, imaging, GMP biologics, and a rodent vivarium. The NDRP is housed on the 7^th floor of CMRI research tower with adequate space for current personnel and future expansion. It is anticipated that recruited personnel will be housed in proximity to our current lab.

The NDRP, which focuses broadly on the molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial and epithelial injury in the context of the developing lung and intestine, is funded by the NHLBI, the NIDDK, the NICHD, the March of Dimes, and several local foundations. The laboratory combines human genetic studies, cell-culture models, microbiome analyses, transgenic mouse models, novel therapeutics, and translational studies to investigate the inflammatory/developmental basis of neonatal diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and rare infectious diseases. The laboratory currently employs 6 full time PhD and masters level scientists. Junior faculty and clinical fellows from Neonatology and infectious disease participate in the NDRP. We advocate a culture of discovery, innovation, team science, diversity and excellence. Access to an active neonatal genomic biorepository established by Dr. Sampath, that houses de-identified DNA samples from phenotypically well-characterized preterm and term cohorts, is available.

Active collaborations with the Children’s Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine (Director: Dr. Tomi Pastinen) are underway for advanced sequencing-based discovery of human genetic loci affecting several neonatal diseases and include the use of single-cell sequencing to characterize cellular phenotypic alterations in pre-clinical models. The Genomic Answers for Kids Study (GAKS), pioneered by the Genome Center, is a one of a kind study characterizing the genetic basis of rare/undiagnosed diseases using advanced sequencing/epigenetic profiling. Synergies can be realized with the Center for Perinatal Research (Director: Dr. Michael Soares), which utilizes rodent models to examine placental development and function in health and disease. Dr. Robert Lane’s (Physician in Chief, CMKC) laboratory, that focuses on perinatal programming of adult onset disease, is in close physical proximity  to the NDRP, and provides another venue for collaboration. The Fetal Health Center, which is dedicated to management of babies diagnosed with complex pathology/diseases, and includes a tissue biorepository, offers opportunities for research and collaboration. Other major centers of research excellence within the CMRI are Population Health, Precision Therapeutics, and Innovation in Healthcare Delivery. 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, who thrives in a collaborative team science environment, with a demonstrated ability to lead research. The ideal candidate will have an emerging or established independent research program, with a track record of quality publications as well as K, R21, R01, or equivalent, extramural funding. We welcome candidates with PhD, MD/PhD, MD, or equivalent degrees, pursuing research interests that synergize with current and future work in the NDRP. Expertise in endothelial signaling, immunity, animal model systems, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and stem cell biology as it pertains to developing lung/gut injury or other NDRP interests, are of particular interest. Candidates with an MD, or equivalent, must be board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and be eligible for a Kansas and Missouri Medical license. Appointment will be at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. Institutional commitment in the form of a start-up package and protected time is available and will be commensurate with track record and experience.

The Division of Neonatology at Children’s Mercy Kansas City provides clinical care in community Level II-III neonatal intensive care units and in our regional referral Level IV NICU. The Division of Neonatology is comprised of 36 neonatologists with a wide spectrum of interests, providing opportunities for candidates to collaborate and support for an individualized professional career pathway. New faculty have the opportunity to work in a range of clinical settings, including responsibility for delivery attendance for high-risk newborns, managing preterm and transitional issues, as well as attending in the Level IV NICU, with responsibility for infants with birth anomalies and other complex clinical conditions. The Home Ventilator Program and the Center for Infant Pulmonary Disorders collaborate with NDRP researchers and provide rich opportunities for translational research. Our faculty members are committed to evidence-based medical practice, promoting the use of organized change models to make group practice improvements. Division members are actively involved in the Vermont Oxford Collaborative and the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium to assess outcomes and collaborate for improvement.

The successful applicant must share our unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, collegiality, antiracism, and respect for inclusion of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Direct inquiries to Dr. Venkatesh Sampath vsampath@cmh.edu 816-234-3591 or Dr. Steve Olsen slolsen@cmh.edu 816-234-3591.

Qualified candidates please send CV and cover letter to:

https://faculty-childrensmercykc.icims.com/jobs/16519/physician/job

Children’s Mercy Kansas City is an independent, non-profit, 390-bed pediatric health system, providing over half a million patient encounters each year for children from across the country. Children’s Mercy is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in nine specialties. We have received Magnet® recognition five times for excellence in nursing services. In affiliation with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the university of Kansas School of Medicine, our faculty of more than 800 pediatric specialists and researchers is actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and educating the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. 

The Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI) integrates research and clinical care with nationally recognized expertise in genomic medicine, precision therapeutics, population health and health care innovation. In 2021 the CMRI moved into a nine story, 375,000 square foot space emphasizing a translational approach to research in which clinicians and researchers work together to accelerate the pace of discovery that enhances care. We invite you to visit Children’s Mercy Hospital virtually at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtlXT3xK-bI

Kansas City is a thriving cultural and economic city with more than 2 million residents. Our city’s long list of attractions includes world class museums, a vibrant arts scene, professional sports, superb shopping, great jazz clubs, and the best places to enjoy barbeque! The city offers low cost-of-living, excellent commute times, and a vibrant downtown, eight-block dining, entertainment and shopping district.  Kansas City offers excellent opportunities for both public and private school venues and is home to several colleges and universities. It’s a community with a heart – friendly, easy-going and forward-thinking – a great place to live and pursue a career. For more information about activities in Kansas City go to www.visitkc.com

 For more information about Children’s Mercy Kansas City and about Kansas City itself, visit childrensmercy.org/careers/take-your-place/

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