Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science (PVS) in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. The successful candidate will establish a vigorous extramural research program in One Health using innovative approaches to investigate, manage, or prevent zoonotic diseases, vector-borne diseases, or antimicrobial resistance, including but not limited to fields such as molecular epidemiology of pathogens, ecology of infectious diseases, vaccine development, therapeutic interventions, microbial pathogenesis, bacteriology, virology, and biomedical engineering that complement existing areas of expertise within the Department.

The candidate will also participate in the Department's educational mission of undergraduate and graduate teaching, and perform University, College, and Departmental services. The Department has been involved in research and diagnostics of bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases with a growing focus on the dynamics of infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine development. The position offers competitive support and salary, quality research space, and a dynamic intellectual environment.

The University of Connecticut maintains state-of-the-art core facilities that deliver support in several areas including microscopy, imaging, flow cytometry and cell sorting, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, animal maintenance, and animal experimentation (https://core.uconn.edu/resources). The Department (https://pathobiology.cahnr.uconn.edu/) and the adjacent research Departments within UConn Colleges and Schools (https://clas.uconn.edu/; https://pharmacy.uconn.edu/; https://www.engr.uconn.edu/) provide a highly interactive scientific community.

PVS (https://pathobiology.cahnr.uconn.edu) is the leading infectious disease and diagnostic unit on the Storrs campus. Our research focuses on microbiology (including bacteriology and virology), pathology, and immunology. We are home to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) and the Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research (CEVR). The PATH undergraduate major offers a Pre-Health concentration for professional careers (Veterinary, Medical, Dental, and Physician Assistant schools), a Global Health concentration for students with an interest in Public Health and One Health careers, and a Medical Biotechnology concentration for students interested in careers with the biomedical/biotech industry, as well as research hospitals and medical centers.

CAHNR (https://cahnr.uconn.edu) has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and Extension programs in the years 2020-2025. Faculty hired for this position will be expected to make significant contributions in their area of expertise, contributing to the advancement of one or more of the CAHNR’s five strategic priorities:

• Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply
• Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally
• Promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our communities
• Fostering sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces
• Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate

The CAHNR Strategic Vision (https://cahnr.uconn.edu/visionandvalues/) provides additional information on the strategic initiatives and their related areas of emphasis.

The University prioritizes scholarship in areas that include health and environmental sustainability, and offers significant opportunities for cross-disciplinary, collaborative scholarship in a number of areas including healthy and active communities, shoreline and community resilience, storm water management and green infrastructure, sustainable cities, landscape ecology, multi-modal transportation, and digital visualization and spatial analytics. UConn has been recognized as one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly campuses by a national publication of Sierra magazine. 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ph.D., MD, DVM, or an equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
• Research publications in a relevant field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in – or the potential for – building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment in research, teaching, mentoring, life experiences, or service that will bolster our commitment to engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse audiences in higher education, particularly in areas of knowledge related to One Health (https://diversity.uconn.edu/).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Two or more years of postdoctoral research experience.
• At the Assistant rank, evidence of developing and submitting research fellowships or grant applications to federal funding agencies in areas of infectious diseases with a focus on One Health approaches. At the Associate rank, an externally-funded research program.
• Presentations at national or international scientific meetings.
• Teaching experience, including lecturing and course development.
• Mentoring or research training experiences in areas of knowledge related to One Health.
• Use of innovative and/or interdisciplinary approaches that complement existing strengths of the Department.
• At the Associate rank, demonstrated excellence in scholarship and professional activities related to teaching, research, and/or extension that will qualify the individual to be tenured at the rank of Associate Professor in the Department.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The primary work location for this position will be at the Storrs Campus. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY 

Apply online via Academic Jobs Online at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26783 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter that addresses how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications, why the applicant is the best fit for the position, and how the work at UConn will contribute to one or more of CAHNR's strategic priorities
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement, 3 pages maximum (describing your scientific contributions and future research program)
• Teaching statement, 2 pages maximum (including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, etc.)
• Diversity statement, 2 pages maximum (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction, and applying effective pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles)
• Names and contact information for three references

Evaluation of applicants will begin on February 1, 2024. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received no later than February 15, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Steven Szczepanek (steven.szczepanek@uconn.edu). 

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.