Chair, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering

Job Description

Mayo Clinic is seeking an outstanding Chair for the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering. The Chair provides overall strategic direction for the growth and development of the department across all three Mayo Clinic Campuses and is an enterprise role. Candidates for this enterprise position will be allowed the opportunity to select which Mayo Clinic campus they would prefer to base their own programs and leadership from. This position is responsible for overseeing the ongoing performance of the department, recruitment and retention of outstanding staff, and ensures the alignment and development of critical resources to achieve goals for the department across the entire Mayo Clinic enterprise.

• Set an inspirational, innovative, transformative vision and strategy for the Department in the context of Mayo Clinic Bold. Forward strategies and emerging scientific opportunities in physiology and biomedical engineering.
• Promote the discovery and effective delivery of leading-edge medical science.
• Guide and set direction for the department within the framework of institutional policy and direction, in collaboration with other department and institutional leaders, and in partnership with Research Administration.
• Oversee the day-to-day performance of the department as set forth by annual plans and priorities
• Provide stewardship of departmental resources to serve the institutional good while promoting the long-term growth and development of the research conducted in the department.
• Continue to host students from the Mayo clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and provide meaningful research experiences.
• Nurture the development of staff and mentor the current and next generation of Mayo Clinic's leaders.
• Promote and advance the department's and Mayo Clinic's research and academic mission.

The Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering (P&BME) at Mayo Clinic has a long and rich history of scientists, engineers and clinical investigators working together across the Mayo Clinic enterprise to drive innovative science in medicine and engineering and translate discoveries into biomedical applications. The Department is one of ten discovery science departments at Mayo Clinic, engaged in driving innovative basic discovery science to translational applications.

The department is one of the most highly recognized physiology or biomedical engineering departments in the U.S., consistently ranking among the best (top five) in the country in terms of extramural funding, publications, patents and innovations. Physiology and Biomedical Engineering currently has 39 primary faculty members and over 120 faculty members who hold a secondary appointment in the department with their primary appointment in another Mayo Clinic department. Currently, the department's 39 primary faculty members hold $31M in external research funding (annual direct costs), of which $20.3 M is federal peer-reviewed funding (primarily from NIH and DOD) and $10.6M (annual direct costs) is from other federal (two ARPA-H awards) and state funding entities and private foundations. In 2024, the department's 39 primary faculty members published 206 peer-reviewed publications in highly cited journals.

The department studies how the body works normally, investigates processes that contribute to a variety of diseases and conditions, and develops approaches to cure them. To accomplish these goals, faculty members develop and apply innovative tools and techniques not only for research but also for clinical implementation. The highly interactive and collaborative department has a range of scientific strengths spanning from cellular physiology (membrane biophysics, cell and epithelial biology, fibrosis, cellular senescence pathways) to tissue and organ engineering (spatial "omics," 3D bioprinting, regenerative medicine) to in vitro and in vivo biomedical engineering (in vivo sensor technology, in vivo physiologic monitoring, in vivo pharmacies) to AI-driven imaging and mathematical modeling. Close collaborations between department staff members and clinical investigators in a rich and nurturing medical environment position the department as an ideal translational partner, capable of infusing novel technologies and harnessing new solutions to meet current and future biomedical and health care challenges.

Mayo Clinic

For over 160 years, the mission of Mayo Clinic has been to inspire hope and promote health and healing through the integration of clinical practice, research, and education on behalf of the patients, communities, and learners it serves from across the nation and the world. Each of Mayo Clinic's three Destination Medical Center (DMC) campuses in the United States are fully engaged in clinical practice, innovative research, and education and training. These three campuses - referred to as the Mayo Clinic enterprise - include Rochester, Minnesota (MCR); Jacksonville, Florida (MCF); and Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona (MCA). In addition, Mayo Clinic fully owns and operates a community-based rural health care delivery system (the Mayo Clinic Health System; MCHS) which extends through 49 rural communities in southern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northeastern Iowa.

For the past seven years, Mayo Clinic has been ranked as the No. 1 health system in the nation and the world, with the most #1 ranked medical specialties, by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and other healthcare quality organizations. Each of the Mayo Clinic hospitals on the three Mayo Clinic campuses have also been consistently ranked as the #1 hospital and the #1 cancer center and cancer hospital in their respective state. Mayo Clinic also has the largest integrated organ transplant program in the nation and conducts more clinical trials driving research and testing new therapies and interventions compared to any other institution in the United States. In 2025, with a staff of more than 85,000, including more than 7,300 physicians and scientific investigators, Mayo Clinic cared for more than 1.3 million unique patients who came from all 50 U.S. states and 135 countries.

Mayo Clinic: The 2030 Bold. Forward. Strategic Plan

Health care has operated in an environment where patients have had the least control. Technology, data-driven knowledge, artificial intelligence (AI), consumerism, and "platform thinking" will establish the next generation of health care. To thrive in this environment, healthcare organizations must break through the old paradigm and transform scientific research and healthcare access and delivery on behalf of the patients we serve. By remaining true to its primary value, "the needs of the patient come first," and the RICH TIES core values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence, and Stewardship, Mayo Clinic is driving the transformation of research and health care through its 2030 Bold.Forward Strategic Plan with the framework Cure, Connect, and Transform.

Cure.
Cure is dedicated to accelerating discovery, translation, and delivery of more cures for both chronic and acute diseases. Mayo Clinic is differentiating itself through the conduct of highly innovative discovery science and its translation to enable the delivery and diffusion of the next generation of diagnoses, treatments and cures This includes new medical, surgical, and radiologic therapies and interventions delivered physically within our healthcare facilities and digitally and virtually in patient's homes and community settings.

Connect.
Connect is focused on connecting people with data to create new knowledge and delivering scalable, end-to-end solutions. This means making our healthcare delivery systems more accessible for patients, but also easier for providers, researchers, and other partners to collaborate to conduct research and clinical practice to create new solutions. In new programs such as Mayo Clinic Care Beyond Walls, Cancer Care Beyond Walls (CCBW), and Clinical Trials Beyond Walls (CTBW), Mayo Clinic is creating a digital care delivery model that maintains a human touch.

Transform.
Transform means creating a new future for healthcare focused on a scalable, AI-enabled platform for the conduct of research and care delivery. Mayo Clinic is driving the "platform transformation" of health care by creating Mayo Clinic Platform - what we believe is the first true large-scale platform in health care - and building highly innovative research and clinical programs, including the Mayo Clinic Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Program.

Mayo Clinic Platform

To drive the "platform transformation" of healthcare, Mayo Clinic has created Mayo Clinic Platform (MCP), healthcare's first comprehensive, dynamic, scalable, AI-enabled research engine and patient care platform. Through MCP, Mayo Clinic has created the world's largest distributed federated healthcare data network (MCP Connect), with a cloud-based data architecture holding the longitudinal healthcare records of 54 million patients. Four MCP Connect network members are ranked among the world's top 10 healthcare systems (Mayo Clinic, University Health Network (UHN) - University of Toronto/Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sheba Health System of Israel, and Singapore National Health (SingHealth). The fully digitized longitudinal patient records in MCP from Mayo Clinic alone now include 705 million patient encounters, 3.2 billion laboratory results, 1.65 billion clinical notes, 8.1 billion radiographic images (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET), the world's largest repository of digitized pathology slides (20 million), and 662 million diagnoses. The clinical data in MCP is further linked to repositories of patient biospecimens and highly annotated epidemiologic and research data sets, facilitating scientific discovery and translation to clinical endpoints and the ability to build AI-driven predictive models to improve patient care. While each MCP partner holds its own secured privacy-protected patient healthcare data in its "node" in the network, the creation of a shared data architecture for the network and an anonymized, de-identified data layer facilitates rapid collaboration across the globe.

By applying our knowledge and expertise in the biological, medical, physical, engineering, computational sciences and AI, to the world's largest healthcare dataset in MCP, we are driving innovative research in many diseases, discovering new cures, enhancing access to clinical trials, and transforming how we deliver cancer care within our facilities and "beyond our walls" in patient homes and community settings. We are also making significant investments on our campuses to transform healthcare for all by seamlessly integrating physical spaces and digital capabilities and by harnessing AI, robotics and automation to meet patients' unmet and evolving needs. Our vision is to use our shared platforms to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all - at any place and any time - transcending geographic and physical barriers. We are sharing our knowledge globally, impacting policy and partnering with others to create a healthier world.

Mayo Clinic Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Program

The Mayo Clinic GenAI Program is an extensive, multifaceted initiative focused on integrating generative AI into clinical practice, research and administration across the Mayo Clinic enterprise. With our technology partners (Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Cerebras), Gen AI is leveraging the vast patient data in Mayo Clinic Platform to create foundation models and generative AI solutions that improve clinical practice, personalize patient care, accelerate research, discover new therapeutics and cures, reduce administrative burden, and transform healthcare. Mayo Clinic Gen AI investigators have developed 97 AI algorithms in clinical use, with more than 270 algorithms in development.

To drive AI solutions, Mayo Clinic has partnered with Microsoft and NVIDIA to develop one of the most advanced computing infrastructures of any academic healthcare system in the world, with 264 graphics processing units (GPUs) and 168 GPUs in the cloud. In July 2025, Mayo Clinic completed a pivotal step in development of our computing power with deployment of the NVIDIA SuperPOD DGX B200 in Mayo Clinic's Discovery Square in Rochester, MN. With scalability up to tens of thousands of GPUs, the efficient liquid-cooled DGX GB200 rack-scale design leverages NVIDIA GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchips to tackle the state-of-the-art AI models needed for today's advanced generative AI applications that train on massive datasets such as multimodal imaging (CT, MRI, PET) and genomic sequencing data. This computing capability allows us to accelerate AI-driven drug discovery, create visual applications, perform high-resolution imaging analysis, and train state-of-the-art foundation models that have trillions of parameters and must train on as much as a petabyte of data.

With our partners, Mayo Clinic has developed several AI-powered foundational models. With Microsoft Research, we have developed foundation models that can automatically generate reports from radiology images (CT scans and MRIs). With Cerebras Systems, Mayo Clinic has built one of the first genomics foundational models (STRAND) that combines public data with Mayo Clinic's patient data of germline genetic sequencing in more than 100,000 patients. And with NVIDIA and Aignostics, the Mayo Clinic Digital Pathology initiative is using AI to analyze its extensive archive of 20 million digitized slides and has developed a leading pathology foundation model (ATLAS), trained on more than 1.2 million histopathology whole-slide images to accelerate and enhance the accuracy of diagnostic digital pathology.

Research at Mayo Clinic

In an evolving scientific landscape driven by data and technological advances, Mayo Clinic's research strategy embodies an unwavering commitment to deliver innovative, effective cures with speed, precision and purpose. To achieve this, Mayo Clinic Research is advancing a set of strategic priorities for research aligned with its Bold. Forward. vision to shape the future of healthcare.

Mayo Clinic is accelerating scientific discovery by enhancing and streamlining access to its vast biospecimen collection, creating a more unified, collaborative environment, and empowering researchers across disciplines and sites. In parallel, teams are building infrastructure to support the discoverability and utility of digitized data through centralized platforms - including Mayo Clinic Platform and the Mayo Clinic Research Atlas - fostering greater collaboration and innovation within Mayo Clinic and beyond. These foundational capabilities are driving a broader paradigm shift: from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and interception of disease. Building on this vision, Mayo Clinic is pioneering new means of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for cancer and non-cancer disorders, and for end-organ failure, with goals to extend organ health spans. We are developing new solutions through sophisticated technologies and designing novel clinical trials to test next-generation therapies. These efforts are converging to revolutionize the clinical trial landscape. Through automation, digital strategies and deeper integration with clinical practice, Mayo Clinic is significantly reducing clinical trial activation timelines, expanding patient access and improving trial outcomes.

The Genesis initiative is a strategic imperative for the research shield which will drive bold advancements in transplantation by creating new capabilities in in-vivo cellular engineering, advanced cell therapies, and bio artificial organ systems. Multidisciplinary teams across heart, lung, liver, kidney, bone marrow, and soon pancreas are tackling the most pressing scientific and clinical challenges, supported by cutting-edge tools like epigenetic editing, RNA therapeutics, and machine perfusion. Early-phase "moonshot" projects emerging from the Mayo Clinic Advanced Innovation Research program are already pioneering breakthroughs such as HLA-depleted hearts, bioengineered lungs, liver digital twins, and ischemia-free heart transplants. The Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering will play a critical role in the success of Genesis by advancing enabling technologies and translational platforms that bridge discovery science with clinical application. By building strategic external partnerships and expanding its ecosystem of collaborators, Mayo Clinic is accelerating discovery-to-translation pathways to deliver next-generation transplant solutions and cures for patients.

These initiatives - and the talented people behind them - will bring life-changing innovations and cures to patients faster than ever before. That's why Mayo Clinic remains dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse, dynamic research workforce and expanding its research infrastructure. With over 1,174,000 square feet of research space across campuses in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota and continued investment in growth, Mayo Clinic is positioned to lead the next generation of medical discovery and deliver transformative care to patients worldwide.

Highlights of the Mayo Clinic Research Enterprise:

• A total of 1,406 research-intensive investigators at Mayo Clinic including 322 career scientists (full-time investigative scientists), 136 collaborating scientists, 84 clinician investigators (50% research effort), 864 clinicians engaged in research (< 50% effort), and greater than 5,000 research staff.
• In 2024 Mayo Clinic research expenditures exceeded $1.35B with federal funding accounting for 37.8%, industry 15%, and philanthropy 10%.
• In 2025, Mayo Clinic received over $787 million from external research awards supplemented with over $568 million from Mayo-based funding, including practice operations, endowments, and diversified activities.
• In 2024, Mayo Clinic investigators published 11,220 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Investments in research each year result in hundreds of new clinical trials. In 2025, Mayo Clinic had over 1,800 open, actively accruing clinical trials, the largest number of any institution in the United States.
• Nearly 10,500 active studies involving human participants are in progress: nearly 6,000 research grants and contracts.

Qualifications

At Mayo Clinic, one's leadership style is important to achieve desired results. Mayo Clinic leaders must inspire trust by exemplifying the deeply rooted values of the institution and a genuine commitment to serving the common good. Effective Mayo Clinic leaders promote collegial dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and consensus-based decision-making to create and achieve shared goals and commitments. They provide an environment that values belonging/inclusion and enables people to develop their talents and do their best work, individually and together. In addition, Mayo Clinic's tradition of integration requires leaders to facilitate alignment and teamwork across disciplines and across sites to ensure the highest quality research outcomes.

Education:

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline. Rank of Associate Professor or Professor

Requirements:

An outstanding and innovative investigator (physician/clinical investigator or scientist) with extensive expertise in research and an outstanding track record of research funding and leadership experience is required. Leaders who possess the capability to drive strategic priorities in emerging technologies will be considered as premier candidates. Proven track record of continuous funding through previous or current grant(s) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is preferred. Demonstrated research excellence and previous leadership experience in academic medicine or bioengineering is required. Academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor is required. Leadership experience and expertise to establish a vision for the Department, advance the scientific goals and manage a complex organization is required. Demonstrated excellence in planning, interpersonal, leadership, and written and oral communication skills are required. Ability to develop, implement and promote innovation is required.

• Broad knowledge of current scientific, medical and technological fields
• Demonstrated administrative and management skills
• Track-record in developing competitive basic, clinical and/or translational research and educational programs
• Experience with the development, implementation and/or execution of strategic and business plans
• Ability to articulate a vision and empower colleagues
• Evidence of effective professional relationship building, both internal and external, and demonstrated skills in creating and sustaining matrix organizations
• Evidence of senior leadership roles intra and extramurally, such as board memberships, senior advisory committees, professional organizations and editorial boards

About Us

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights

• Medical: Multiple plan options.
• Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
• Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
• Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
• Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

About the Team

Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.