Assistant Professor (Research-Track)

An Assistant Professor (Research-Track) position is available to conduct and support research related to brain and viral diseases. The applicant will work as a Research Assistant Professor, supervising and conducting exciting, top-notch, research with Prof. Abraam Yakoub. The Yakoub Lab is well-funded and boasts a deep mentoring culture and a visionary research program encompassing many exciting projects testing revolutionary or paradigm-shifting ideas. The Yakoub Lab is home to the 2021 NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award, whose goal is to “catalyze scientific discovery by supporting highly innovative research… to think outside the box and pursue trailblazing ideas.” As indicated by the NIH Director, Dr. Francis Collins, “The science put forward by this cohort is exceptionally novel and creative and is sure to push at the boundaries of what is known. These visionary investigators come from a wide breadth of career stages and show that groundbreaking science can happen at any career level given the right opportunity.” Further information about the Lab can found here: https://und.edu/directory/abraam.yakoub#researchint

This position will enable junior scientists to be competitive in the job market when applying for tenure-track positions at research-intensive institutions, through (1) working on big-idea projects with the potential for highly impactful publications and (2) assisting/mentoring them in applying for independent funding that can make them attractive candidates for tenure-track positions.

Duties of the position include reading literature, attending and presenting at scientific meetings, mentoring graduate students and postdocs, performing experiments and data analysis, and assisting with manuscript and grant writing.

Compensation and Appointment: Position: Research Assistant Professor Remuneration / Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications. Extremely competitive salaries! Benefits: Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver. Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, long term care insurance, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans. This position is a twelve (12) month, non-tenure track, special appointment with University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Job Summary and Responsibilities: The applicant will design and conduct experiments to test new hypotheses related to roles of viral and neurological conditions and their interactions, using mouse and stem cell-based (iPSC-derived human neurons, and human brain organoid) models. Broad skills in life sciences are needed, including, cell culture, mouse models, mouse brain stereotaxic injections, histology, imaging, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, gene editing, neuroscience (molecular and circuitry), and related skills. In addition to conducting experiments, the duties of the position will include supervising students and postdocs, designing projects, and helping with grant writing.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, neuroscience, life sciences or related fields.
• At least ~2 year postdoctoral or similar experience.
• At least 1 first or corresponding author peer-reviewed publications in biology research broadly defined.

Preferred Requirements:

• Broad skills in life sciences, including molecular biology, cell culture, mouse models, mouse brain stereotaxic injections, histology, imaging, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, gene editing, neuroscience (molecular and circuitry), etc.
•  Independence and motivation
• Demonstrated potential to acquire extramural funding and move on to a tenure-track career
• Excellent verbal and written scientific and administrative communication skills

To inquire about this position or the research:
Please email Dr. Abraam Yakoub at abraam.yakoub@und.edu

To Apply:
Applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae and contact information of three references at: https://prd.hcm.ndus.edu/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=2937355&PostingSeq=1 Review of applications will begin on February 4, 2022, Applications received after this date may still be considered. The position will remain open until filled. 

Additional Information To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler. All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

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