DIR & CLIN AST/ASO/FULL PROF

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida invites applications for a transformative leadership opportunity as Director of the UF Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF CAN). We are seeking a licensed Psychiatrist (MD) or Psychologist (PhD) with demonstrated expertise in autism and neurodevelopmental care, program development, and academic leadership.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team in advancing statewide initiatives in clinical services, education, research, and advocacy. The Director will oversee strategic planning, program innovation, and operational excellence, while fostering collaboration across university departments, state agencies, and peer institutions. The position also includes opportunities for direct clinical care, teaching, and research—making it ideal for a candidate passionate about improving outcomes for neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Oversee the daily operations of the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment  (UF CAN), ensuring high standards of service delivery and organizational efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to elevate program quality, visibility, and statewide impact.
• Promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across all areas of the Center.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and institutional leadership to streamline processes and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Work with University of Florida and state leadership to promote and fund initiatives that will improve the lives of people with autism.

Program Development & Management

• Design and launch new programs, with a focus on expanding access to education as well as screening, diagnosis, and appropriate clinical care both locally and state-wide.
• Coordinate resources and work with stakeholders statewide to share information across Florida to ensure equitable access to educational services, as well as to therapy and preventative services.
• Optimize resource allocation and staffing to support sustainable program growth.
• Demonstrate experience in managing and sustaining large-scale infrastructure and program operations
• Proven experience and success working with Autism and Neurodivergent individuals.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing Autism services and education.
• Implement robust assessment frameworks to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on program participation, outcomes, and community impact.

Collaboration & Outreach

• Serve as the primary liaison with state and local agencies to promote public awareness and advocate for Autism related initiatives.
• Represent the Center at national conferences and in partnerships with peer institutions.
• Lead the coordinating efforts and collaborate with the statewide Centers for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) by supporting integration and alignment of information dissemination across the state.

Clinical Care

• Provide direct clinical services, as appropriate, to individuals with autism and their families, consistent with expertise and licensure.
• Work with Department of Psychiatry, UF Health and CAN leadership to evaluate the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of available clinical services and identify areas of needed growth and/or improvement.

Teaching

• Provide clinical supervision and didactic education to learners at all levels, including psychiatry residents and fellows, clinical psychology postdoctoral fellows and interns, and undergraduates, among others.
• Oversee the development of educational materials for allied health personnel, teachers, and other professionals.

Research, Grants, & Accreditation

• Conduct and publish original research in professional journals to contribute to the field’s body of knowledge.
• Contribute to grant writing and execution of faculty engaged in autism related research as appropriate based on expertise.
• Oversee the establishment of and manage a peer review and grant agency to evaluate and approve funding for specialized programs. 

Commensurate with experience

Required qualifications

• MD or clinical PhD with advanced training in a field relevant to autism (e.g., psychiatry, clinical psychology)
• Licensed or license eligible in the state of Florida
• Clinical expertise in autism assessment and/or treatment
• Board certified in relevant field (MD)

• Experience in education, including teaching, training, lecturing, and didactic methodologies
• Previous clinical supervision of students across multiple levels of the academic program 
• Active member of a national professional organization with up-to-date knowledge in the field of autism.
• Recent and past funding for research projects in autism related areas. 

As one of the nation’s top public research universities, the University of Florida offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and financial well-being of employees and their families.

Highlights include:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance plans
• Flexible spending accounts and wellness programs
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement savings plans with employer contributions
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays, and personal days)
• Eight weeks of paid parental and medical leave
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Discounts on campus and local services and activities
• Enjoy discounts for on-and off-campus activities and services

About the Department of Psychiatry

Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida are involved in a broad range of clinical and research initiatives through departmental centers, labs, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The department includes a large outpatient center with various specialty clinics, including one affiliated with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment—along with an active inpatient service, a psychiatry collaborative program for primary care providers, school-based consultation programs, and community mental health consultation services.

The department offers clinical services and training in adult, child and adolescent, and addiction psychiatry. This includes operations at a freestanding psychiatric hospital, a robust consult-liaison service at UF Health Shands Hospital, and the Florida Recovery Center, which is operated by the Addiction Division. The department is also home to several research initiatives, including the Center for Addiction Research & Education and the Center for OCD and Related Disorders (COARD). UF is an active site for the NIH-funded Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

The University of Florida is a top  public university and one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast. UF Health is a regional leader in innovative, evidence-based mental health treatment and is committed to advancing clinical research. Researchers across the college pursue interdisciplinary work through nine major research centers and institutes. 

Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville is home to the state’s oldest and largest university. It’s a recognized hub for education, healthcare, research, the arts, and innovation. Gainesville is frequently ranked among the top college towns and best places to live or retire. Known for its natural beauty and preserved historic charm, the city offers a wide range of parks, museums, lakes, and cultural attractions that appeal to residents and visitors alike. Things to do in Gainesville .

Interested applicants should submit the following items as part of the online application: 

• Interested applicants should submit the following materials as part of the online application:
• Cover Letter that outlines your interest in the position and addresses how your qualifications align with the required and preferred criteria.
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of Three References including names and contact information. Please include individuals who can speak to your qualifications, scholarly potential, and effectiveness as a colleague in an academic health sciences environment. References will be contacted by the department if the applicant is under serious consideration.

The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is filled. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.