Asst./Assoc. Professor - Tenure Track, Neurodegenerative Disease

Position Summary

The Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics (CNDT) at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month tenure track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor level. As a member of the Chicago Medical School faculty, the successful candidate will be expected to direct an extramurally funded research program in the area of neurodegenerative diseases. The Center specifically seeks highly motivated and productive individuals with demonstrated incorporation of novel, innovative approaches to studying mechanisms, treatments, and/or biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders at the basic science or translational levels. Applicants whose technical expertise and research focus integrates well with current Center faculty research interests are considered desirable. This faculty member will direct graduate students and/or postdoctoral associates, and other trainees in research, and exhibit a commitment to excellence in education.

The CNDT operates as a collaborative research environment where integrative skills and approaches are valued.  Prioritized areas of research or technical expertise include:

• Cellular and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury or aging with high translational potential, including iPSC or directly derived human brain cells from patient populations, use of human samples for transcriptomics studies, and machine learning applications 
• Comprehensive analysis from gene expression and cellular signaling through neural circuitry and systems level approaches including bioinformatics and in vivo approaches
• Novel therapeutic strategies including stem cell models, gene therapy, and small molecule approaches
• Cutting edge and innovative analytical approaches including gene editing, bioinformatics, advanced microscopy and imaging, neurophysiology, and artificial intelligence models among others
• Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease of special interest

When submitting your application please include the following:  Current CV, Cover Letter, and Research Statement.  We also welcome a Teaching Statement, Diversity Statement, and any recent materials demonstrating strong suitability for this position. 

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq. ft. building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago’s newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see   https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Candidates will devote a majority of their efforts toward independent scholarly research, but will also be expected to provide some classroom education. Additionally, service to the College, University, and Profession is an expectation of all faculty.

All full-time faculty members employed by RFUMS are expected to engage in activities that are considered core to their primary role as a faculty member. These activities may include teaching, scholarly activity, and service.

Teaching responsibilities vary and may include:

• Direct instruction
• Curriculum management
• Assessment
• Advising and mentoring for students

Scholarly activities vary and may include:

• Original scholarship
• Grant procurement
• Research mentoring

Service activities vary and may include internal and external contributions through:

• Committees
• Contributions to the profession
• Recruitment
• Direct patient care

Scholarly activities and/or clinical activities are negotiated and determined at the department level and are primarily based upon the faculty track.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• PhD or MD degree.
• 4-6 years of post-doctoral research experience.
• Display experience with, and commitment to research, education, and service.
• Candidates coming in as an Assistant Professor level should demonstrate potential to establish and maintain an externally funded research program. If currently an Assistant Professor, demonstration of extramural funding and teaching exposure is expected.
• Must have proof of COVID19 vaccination or a university approved exemption.

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 Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• The successful candidate will be a neuroscientist, neurophysiologist or physician scientist with expertise in neurodegenerative disease or neurological disorders. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with interprofessional faculty and staff.
• Teaching experience or a personal commitment to and enthusiasm for education.
• Strong sense of integrity

 Preferred Qualifications

• At least 4 years of research experience as a post-doctoral associate, or equivalent, in a major research institution.   
• Demonstrated ability to apply for and obtain extramural funding.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets