Assistant Professor - Peripheral Nerve PhD Scientist (Tenure or Research track)

The University of Utah•Salt Lake, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah is seeking to hire a PhD Research Scientist for a tenure-track or research-track appointment in peripheral nerve research. In collaboration with Dr. Mark A. Mahan, the Research Scientist will lead a laboratory staff, including Lab Technician(s) and Post-Doctoral Research Associate(s). Roles would include development of protocols for future experiments, manuscript preparation, grant writing, oversight of the experiments, and lab personnel management. The goal of the position is to run an independent lab in close collaboration with a clinician-scientist. The lab currently has NIH , SBIR and University funding. Our research centers on non-healing nerve injuries. Neuroma-in-continuity ( NIC ) is a pathophysiologic outcome frequently associated with these injuries, where fibrosis and inflammation create a microenvironment which inhibits axonal regeneration, resulting in poor neurologic recovery. To overcome this gap from bench to clinic, we have developed a basic science model of failed peripheral nerve regeneration which mimics the clinical injury mechanism (rapid-stretch) and produces the unique and severe pathophysiology and associated neurologic deficits observed in the clinical population. We aim to leverage this translational model to characterize the cellular and molecular microenvironment of pathophysiologic nerve regeneration, with the hope of identifying novel therapeutic targets for clinical intervention to ameliorate patient outcomes. We are looking for an exceptional individual who wants to work in an independent research environment and be involved in high-impact research projects with clinical translation. Much of our research focuses on clinical applicability – and we envision that future grants will involve clinical trials and possible intellectual property. A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, brief statement of educational and research goals, names and addresses of 3 references should be directed to: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/152634 Mark A. Mahan, MD, FAANS and William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD C/O: Admin. Director, Dept. of Neurosurgery 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor Salt Lake City, UT 84132 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.

Requirements

Doctorate degree in biology, neuroscience, immunology, or bioengineering or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency required.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.
Applicants should have experience with the following laboratory research procedures:
Flow cytometry
Immunohistology
Animal breeding, especially maintenance of transgenic animals
Neurophysiology
Behavioral testing
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Nice To Haves

Immunology
Cell culture
Peripheral nerve disorders
Strong preference will be given to job applicants who hold a PhD in immunology or peripheral nerve disorders

Responsibilities

Co-develops scientific research projects, and acts as a lead scientist.
Researches and stays current with project related scientific literature.
Sets up new methods or assays to accomplish scientific objectives.
Identifies and implements creative solutions to overcome problems.
Organizes, interprets data and derives study conclusions.
Manages and trains research staff to achieve research goals.
Collaborates with internal and external investigators on multiple research projects ensuring scientific significance and feasibility.
Summarizes results of clinical studies in the form of scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
Serves as a resource to provide clinical and scientific information needed for various initiatives.
Contributes to teaching activities by preparing and presenting educational seminars.
Assists with grant proposal preparation by researching background, significance and planning statistics, and working with research administrators to meet deadlines.
Attends national conferences and presents results of clinical studies.