Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Job Type: Full-Time Faculty Location: North Chicago, IL, US
Position Summary
The Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics 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 disease, brain injury, and/or neural repair. 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, aging, and brain injury
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, genetic modification, bioinformatics, cellular signaling tracking, advanced microscopy and imaging, neurophysiology, and artificial intelligence models among others
Research at RFU is organized around centers of excellence in discovery and translational science. The Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics is one of six such centers designed to nurture collaboration among scientists and clinicians, and facilitate relationships with potential industry partners. RFU’s new 100,000 square foot Innovation and Research Park is due to open in the fall of 2019. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to accelerate clinically-relevant research advances across complementary fields, including brain function and repair, stress and affective disorders, cancer and immunology, genetic diseases, and protein biochemistry, and will facilitate growth opportunities with industry, biotech firms and startups also housed in the research park. RFU’s history dates back to the founding of the Chicago Medical School more than 100 years ago; the University was renamed in 2004 to honor Dr. Rosalind Franklin’s groundbreaking contributions to modern biology. Today, the University is composed of five Colleges and Schools that provide graduate-level education to more than 2,000 students in the health professions and life sciences. RFU is situated on a spacious suburban campus next to Lake Michigan with easy access to Chicago, Evanston, and Milwaukee, as well as rural countryside and convenient suburbs. This faculty position is appointed in the Chicago Medical School and School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and will benefit from a collaborative interdisciplinary research community and 100% FTE salary support.
RFUMS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and fostering a diverse academic environment. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented in their respective fields, and others who would enrich and add unique perspectives to the University.
Inquiries can be directed to Grace Stutzmann at grace.stutzmann@rosalindfranklin.edu.
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.
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.
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 anticipated.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
The successful candidate will be a molecular/cellular neuroscientist, neurophysiologist or physician scientist with expertise in neurodegenerative disease or brain injury.
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 research experience as a post-doctoral associate, or equivalent, in a major research institution.
Demonstrated ability to apply for and obtain extramural funding.
