Assistant Professor, Neuroscience, Gut-Brain Axis (T/TE)
About The Position
The Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor as part of the University’s AI Innovation in Health initiative. The successful candidate will investigate fundamental mechanisms through which the gut, its microbial communities, and the brain interact to shape neural function, behavior, metabolism, health, and disease. The candidate will establish a rigorous, independent, externally funded research program that meaningfully integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, multi-omics, or other advanced quantitative methods to generate or test biological hypotheses and deepen mechanistic understanding. Research may address the microbiome–gut–brain axis and bidirectional gut–nervous-system communication; microbial metabolites and their effects on neural circuits, physiology, behavior, or disease; gut-derived metabolic, immune, or endocrine signaling; neuroimmune interactions; inter-organ communication; mechanisms governing feeding, appetite, energy balance, and metabolic homeostasis; or effects of diet, nutrition, and metabolism on brain function, development, aging, and neurological or neuropsychiatric disease. The joint appointment offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Biology, physiology, nutrition, data science, and related programs and centers, including the BIO5 Institute. The successful candidate will have graduate faculty status in the Biochemistry & Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD Program and the Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs of Neuroscience and Genetics. The position includes research, teaching, mentorship, service, and contributions to the University’s land-grant mission. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position with full benefits; compensation is DOE.
Requirements
- PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent terminal degree in neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, microbiology, physiology, computational biology, or a related discipline by the anticipated start date.
- Record of rigorous and impactful research appropriate to career stage.
- Evidence of potential to establish an innovative, independent, and externally funded research program.
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality teaching, trainee mentorship, collaboration, and inclusive academic excellence.
Nice To Haves
- Research expertise addressing the microbiome–gut–brain axis or related mechanisms of inter-organ communication.
- Experience integrating experimental biology with artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, multi-omics, or advanced quantitative analyses.
- Strong publication record and evidence of scientific creativity and independence.
- Potential to develop collaborations across neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism, nutrition, immunology, microbiology, and data science.
- Evidence of effective teaching, mentoring, outreach, public engagement, or translation of research.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain a rigorous, innovative, nationally recognized, externally funded independent research program.
- Conduct research advancing understanding of gut–brain and microbiome biology and complementing strengths in Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and the Food as Medicine Initiative.
- Meaningfully incorporate or develop artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, multi-omics, or advanced quantitative methods within the research program.
- Engage in collaborative research and interdisciplinary scholarship across the University of Arizona.
- Demonstrate excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching and contribute to the educational missions of both departments.
- Mentor undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees and support their development as independent scientists.
- Participate in departmental, college, and University service.
- Advance the University of Arizona’s land-grant mission through education, outreach, community engagement, or translation of scientific discovery benefiting Arizona and its communities.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability programs
- Sick leave and holidays
- University of Arizona/Arizona State University/Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
- Retirement plans
- Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
- Work-life programs
- Full benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
