Assistant Professor Peripheral Nerve PhD Scientist (Tenure or Research track)

Job description

Position Information

**Position/Rank** Assistant Professor - Peripheral Nerve PhD Scientist (Tenure or Research track)

**Department** 00268 - Neurosurgery

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Track** Track Dependent on Qualifications

**New Position to Begin**

**Details**
The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah is seeking to hire a PhD Research Scientist for a tenure-track or research-track appointment in peripheral nerve research.

In collaboration with Dr. Mark A.

Mahan, the Research Scientist will lead a laboratory staff, including Lab Technician(s) and Post-Doctoral Research Associate(s).

Roles would include development of protocols for future experiments, manuscript preparation, grant writing, oversight of the experiments, and lab personnel management.

The goal of the position is to run an independent lab in close collaboration with a clinician-scientist.

The lab currently has NIH , SBIR and University funding.

Our research centers on non-healing nerve injuries.

Neuroma-in-continuity ( NIC ) is a pathophysiologic outcome frequently associated with these injuries, where fibrosis and inflammation create a microenvironment which inhibits axonal regeneration, resulting in poor neurologic recovery.

To overcome this gap from bench to clinic, we have developed a basic science model of failed peripheral nerve regeneration which mimics the clinical injury mechanism (rapid-stretch) and produces the unique and severe pathophysiology and associated neurologic deficits observed in the clinical population.

We aim to leverage this translational model to characterize the cellular and molecular microenvironment of pathophysiologic nerve regeneration, with the hope of identifying novel therapeutic targets for clinical intervention to ameliorate patient outcomes.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who wants to work in an independent research environment and be involved in high-impact research projects with clinical translation.

Much of our research focuses on clinical applicability – and we envision that future grants will involve clinical trials and possible intellectual property.

A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, brief statement of educational and research goals, names and addresses of 3 references should be directed to:**https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/152634**

Mark A.

Mahan, MD, FAANS and

William T.

Couldwell, MD, PhD
C/O: Admin.

Director, Dept.

of Neurosurgery
175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect.

The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, diversity, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in biology, neuroscience, immunology, or bioengineering or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency required.

Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants should have experience with the following laboratory research procedures:

1.

Flow cytometry
2.

Immunohistology
3.

Animal breeding, especially maintenance of transgenic animals
4.

Neurophysiology
5.

Behavioral testing

Preference will be given to individuals with experience in:

1.

Immunology
2.

Cell culture
3.

Peripheral nerve disorders

Strong preference will be given to job applicants who hold a PhD in immunology or peripheral nerve disorders

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Responsibilities

1.

Co-develops scientific research projects, and acts as a lead scientist.
2.

Researches and stays current with project related scientific literature.
3.

Sets up new methods or assays to accomplish scientific objectives.
4.

Identifies and implements creative solutions to overcome problems.
5.

Organizes, interprets data and derives study conclusions.
6.

Manages and trains research staff to achieve research goals.
7.

Collaborates with internal and external investigators on multiple research projects ensuring scientific significance and feasibility.
8.

Summarizes results of clinical studies in the form of scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
9.

Serves as a resource to provide clinical and scientific information needed for various initiatives.
10.

Contributes to teaching activities by preparing and presenting educational seminars.
11.

Assists with grant proposal preparation by researching background, significance and planning statistics, and working with research administrators to meet deadlines.
12.

Attends national conferences and presents results of clinical studies.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Office and laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

**EEO/Non-Discrimination Information**
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.

The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA).

More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

**Notice**
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“ URS ”).

Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work).

Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information.

Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions.

Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen and immunizations.

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses.

They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah.

A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

**Special Instructions for Candidates**

**Open Date** 08/28/2023

**Close Date**

**Open Until Filled** Yes

**Requisition Number** PRN03364F

**Type** Faculty

Required Skill Profession

Other General