Position Information

　　Position/Rank Assistant Professor/Tenure Track

　　Department 00870 - Ophthalmology-Research

　　City Salt Lake City, UT

　　Track Tenure Track

　　New Position to Begin Octobr 1, 2023

　　Details

　　Job Title: Assistant Professor (in the Tenure Track)

　　Job Summary:

　　The University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences would like to post one full-time position at the level of Assistant Professor who will work within the research side of the department within the Steele Center for Translational Medicine ( SCTM ). This position will conduct various analyses in the field of ocular disease and will be responsible for advancing our understanding of the choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium and retina tissue interactions that occur during aging and in age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ), a leading cause of worldwide blindness. The candidate will interrogate a unique resource of patients and donor samples with high-risk AMD genotype/phenotype combinations. These efforts will lead to a better understanding of gene-directed disease initiation, progression, response to current therapies and future advancement of novel AMD therapies currently under development at the SCTM .

　　The primary goal of the SCTM is to identify and advance therapeutic targets for AMD , a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. The SCTM consists of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers, clinicians, clinical staff and collaborators. Our scientific efforts center around a collection of >8,000 pairs of donated human eyes — complete with full genetic profiles, images and ophthalmic and medical histories — and a large population of study patients. The SCTM has established a key alliance with a pharmaceutical industry partner to integrate drug development expertise with the resources, knowledge and expertise of the Center. The ultimate goal of this research is to help better understand AMD biology, to identify AMD -associated disease pathways and targets, and to develop novel therapies for the treatment of AMD . A clinical trial of a drug developed by the SCTM was recently initiated.

　　Qualifications:

　　Any applicant must have at least 6 years’ of academic experience with a detailed understanding of blood flow and passive transport of solutes between the human retina and choriocapillaris in normal aging and pathological conditions such as aged-related macular degeneration. Any applicant must have at least a Ph.D. degree, 2 years post-doctoral training and a minimum of 3 first author publications. Candidates must possess excellent writing skills and ability to manage and direct multiple research projects simultaneously. A highly multidisciplinary research approach combining engineering principles, physics, mathematics, biology and clinical sciences is required. Expertise with in vivo multi-modal imaging techniques, accompanying software, data output formats and image databases are encouraged to apply. An ability to perform fixed tissue processing and histological examination using specific stains and immunological reagents is also desired. The ability to write monthly reports and manuscripts as well as verbally present results is required.

　　Essential Functions:

　　The applicant will be involved in working with the Steele Center for Translational Medicine team in advancing novel therapeutics for age-related macular degeneration and other major ocular diseases. In this capacity, the applicant will be involved in multiple aspects of laboratory research, including bench work, project design and management, statistical analysis and troubleshooting all aspects of work. Moreover, a strong knowledge of clinical manifestations of AMD is required. Applicant is expected to keep up with current literature and collaborate with laboratory personnel, Moran Eye Center researchers and management to advance novel genotype-directed AMD therapies.

　　Applicants should include the following items to Julee LaMothe through the University of Utah job site: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/148742

　　1) CV

　　2) Statement of research Interests and funding goals

　　3) Two-three representative scholarly papers

　　4) Names & contact info for Letters of Recommendation from 3 people at or above your rank (These people should be outside the University of Utah.)

　　The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are 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. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.

　　The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator and its policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, or veteran’s status. Minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified veterans. To inquire further about the University’s nondiscrimination and affirmative action policies or to request a reasonable accommodation for a disability in the application process, please contact the following individual who has been designated as the University’s Title IX/ ADA /Section 504 Coordinator: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 South Presidents Circle, Rm. 135, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, (801)581-8365, email: [email protected] .

　　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.

　　EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

　　The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

　　Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are 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:

　　Director/ Title IX Coordinator

　　Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA)

　　383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite

　　Salt Lake City, UT 84112

　　801-581-8365

　　[email protected]

　　Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

　　For more information: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

　　To inquire about this posting, email:[email protected] (%[email protected]) or call 801-581-2300.

　　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 05/22/2023

　　Close Date

　　Open Until Filled Yes

　　Requisition Number PRN03280F

　　Type Faculty