Position Information: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research assistant professor, Position #00017842

 

A research assistant professor position is available immediately in the laboratories of Dr. Jonathan Geiger and Dr. Xuesong Chen to conduct research related to infectious diseases, organelle cell biology, and neurodegenerative disorders. A primary focus of the Lab is to understand the involvement of organellar cell biology in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and infectious disorders.

We have substantial funding and interests in the role of endolysosomes in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 associated neurodegenerative disorders, the role of endolysosomes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, the role of iron in the actions of the opioid morphine, and the epigenetics of ketogenic strategies against the pathogenesis of epileptogenesis. We use a number of modern techniques including molecular and genetic manipulations of cells, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, calcium imaging, and a variety of biochemical methods.

Compensation and Appointment:

Position:  Research Assistant Professor

Remuneration / Salary: $52,000-$60,000, commensurate with qualifications

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 outlined in funded grants as well as test new hypotheses related to the infectious viruses HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, and neurodegenerative disorders. These experiments will include cells grown in culture, molecular, histologic and biochemical analysis, flow cytometry, calcium imaging, and confocal microscopy.  

The work will focus heavily on the role of endolysosomes and inter-organellar signaling in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), and diabetes; So, experience in these areas is highly desired. In addition, the successful candidate should focus their research in the following areas; novel receptors on microglia for Tau protein, improved memory through downregulation of NRSF by periodic fasting, ketone bodies, and caffeine, and vitamin D3 restriction of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In addition to conducting experiments related to funded grants, the duties of the position will include reading and knowing the relevant literature, training lab personnel in the laboratory, attending and presenting at scientific meetings, and writing grants and manuscripts.  The successful candidate will be expected to write and submit grants to NIH and to other funding agencies. While the position is primarily research oriented, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the SMHS teaching mission.

 

Minimum Requirements: 

Ph.D. in virology and/or neuroscience or related field.At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience.Publications in 3 of the 5 following areas (as demonstrated in your CV):HIV-1SARS-CoV-2Endolysosomes and/or inter-organellar signaling Neurodegenerative disorders including AD and HANDTherapeutic uses of iron chelators

Successful completion of a Criminal History Records Check 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

 

Preferred Requirements:

Infectious diseases; HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2Molecular/genetic studies of cell biology of organellesDemonstrated ability to generate ideas worthy of receiving extramural funding

To ApplyReview of applications will begin on April 12 2021. Position is open until filled. 

Applicants MUST submit a curriculum vitae and the contact information of three references.

Additional Information

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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.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.