Director of Obesity Medicine

About Us:

At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Job Posting Title:
Director of Obesity Medicine

Position Type:
Faculty

Department:
LSUPBRC Admin - Human Resources (Amy Diane Martinell (00076072))

Work Location:
LSU - Pennington Biomedical

Pay Grade:
Academic

Job Description:

Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Director of Obesity Medicine in Clinical Science and the Metamor Institute.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in collaboration with Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Obesity Medicine to provide strategic leadership and career mentorship to the Obesity Medicine clinical and academic team within the Metamor Institute. This senior-level position will lead clinical initiatives, drive innovative research, and deliver exceptional patient care across both institutions. The successful candidate will hold a primary appointment at Pennington Biomedical while overseeing clinical services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Direct and expand the Obesity Medicine clinical and academic programs, aligning them with the broader mission of the Metamor Institute and Pennington Biomedical.
• Clinical Excellence: Oversee and deliver patient-centered, evidence-based obesity care while advancing best practices in metabolic disease management.
• Mentorship & Faculty Development: Provide leadership and career mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of physicians, clinical researchers, and medical staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and scientific excellence.
• Research Innovation: Drive cutting-edge clinical research in obesity medicine, including investigator-initiated studies, industry-sponsored trials, and large-scale multi-site collaborations. Develop a clinical/laboratory research program in Obesity Medicine to include but not limited to clinical trials, RO1-equivalent grant funding, and laboratory effort.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure efficient and effective clinical operations, including patient recruitment, protocol development, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and strengthen collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, including academic institutions, healthcare systems, industry partners, and governmental agencies.
• Grant & Funding Acquisition: Secure extramural funding from federal agencies (e.g., NIH), industry sponsors, and philanthropic sources to support clinical and translational research initiatives.
• Community Engagement: Champion public education, community outreach, and patient advocacy efforts to promote obesity prevention and treatment initiatives.

Qualifications

• MD or DO degree required; board certification in Obesity Medicine and a related specialty (e.g., Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology) is required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in Obesity Medicine or metabolic disease, with a proven track record of leading clinical and academic programs.
• Distinguished record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific contributions in obesity, metabolic disease, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives that advance clinical innovation and improve patient outcomes.
• Experience managing complex clinical programs, including budgeting, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders across clinical, academic, and community settings.
• Strong track record of securing competitive research funding and managing large-scale clinical initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fellowship training in Obesity Medicine or related discipline.
• Leadership experience in a large academic medical center or multi-institutional clinical research program.
• Board certification in Nutrition, Endocrinology, or a related specialty is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with emerging methodologies, including precision medicine, digital health, and real-world evidence generation.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description:

Why Join Pennington Biomedical?

• Lead and shape the future of Obesity Medicine through innovative clinical care, cutting-edge research, and community engagement.
• Work with world-class scientists and healthcare professionals in a dynamic, interdisciplinary setting.
• Access state-of-the-art research infrastructure and clinical resources at both Pennington Biomedical and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital.
• Opportunities for academic advancement and professional development in a nationally recognized research institution.

Competencies:
None

Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a cover letter with curriculum vitae to the online application. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.

Posting Date:
March 13, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

Additional Position Information:

Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.

Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.