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The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota Medical School is seeking candidates interested in establishing a translational research program relevant to Parkinsons Disease (PD) to fill a position for an Assistant Professor, Academic Track with focus on Research.

This is a 12-month, full-time appointment.

The department spans a wide range of research questions with a proven dedication to team science and collaborative work.

The Department of Neuroscience has a sustained reputation for research excellence, as it is 7th among neuroscience departments nationally based on the 2024 Blue Ridge rankings. For this position, we are searching for outstanding candidates, regardless of research focus, who will promote synergy across disciplines in our medical school to advance foundational science and discovery as well as preclinical research. Basic scientists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply.

The new faculty will integrate with the Institute for Translational Neuroscience, which supports research at the interface between the bench and the bedside. Additional strengths at the University of Minnesota include: MnDRIVE initiative, which supports research and translation relevant to neuromodulation for brain conditions; the UMN Viral Vector and Cloning Core, which allows onsite vector production and development; the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, which is at the forefront of high magnetic field strength imaging in both humans and animals, and the UMN Imaging Center, which is a Nikon Center of Excellence. The Department of Neuroscience also leads the Medical Discovery Team (MDT) on Addiction and the Medical Discovery Team (MDT) on Optical Imaging - two world-class, neuroscience-based programs that have established many interdisciplinary and collaborative new laboratories at UMN. The University also offers Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development with the resources and expertise to develop new drug therapies; the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, which provides resources to implement new treatment strategies and is a conduit to promote the community-wide understanding and application of scientific discoveries; Minnesota is also the home of multiple biomedical research companies and world-renowned hospitals. The University of Minnesota is dedicated to improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and the Department of Neuroscience has developed a number of programs in this area.

The candidate's responsibilities include Research, Teaching/ Integration/ Outreach, and Service.

Research: The candidate will initially be funded as part of a large, multi-institutional research team to generate, validate, and distribute preclinical mouse models tailored to accelerate validation and therapeutic R&D for emerging gene/protein targets relevant to Parkinsons disease (PD). Pathways of interest include those involving alpha-synuclein dysregulation, neuroinflammation, lysosome/endosome function, synapse function/morphology, ubiquitination and mitochondrial function/dysfunction. During this initial period of full funding support, the Department expects that the candidate will devote their research efforts to ensuring that the goals of this PD modeling project are achieved and to assisting with the day-to-day coordination of all team efforts. The candidate should work towards developing aspects of the program clearly identified with them, in which they can assume a programmatic leadership role. Furthermore, the candidate should work towards developing extramural funding mechanisms that allow them to pursue their areas of interest throughout their career.

Teaching/Integration/Outreach: The candidate is expected to serve as the main point of contact between the University of Minnesota preclinical PD mouse modeling projects, team members at other institutions, and the agencies funding this work.  Furthermore, the candidate is expected to liaise with other funded PD teams within a global research network and will be expected to attend and participate in an annual meeting of international PD investigators.

Service: The Department expects that during the initial period of funding support the candidate will monitor the PD modeling team milestones, manage data, track progress towards distributing the resulting preclinical models, and ensure compliance.

Candidates must have a PhD and/or MD degree and must be a US citizen or be able to secure permanent resident status. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and a brief (2 pages maximum) statement of their research interests.

Pay Range: $90,000 - $130,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).