Position Description

Required application materials:

• Cover letter (1 page) that summarizes research experience and goals, preparation to serve and bolster the excellence of students from a wide range of backgrounds, and the interest in the developmental neuroscience position at the Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, University of Oregon.

• Curriculum Vitae outlining professional qualifications including but not limited to: Education, Employment, Publications, Funding, and efforts related to Equity, Inclusion, and Outreach. 

• Research statement that discusses: (i) the impact of previous research, (ii) future research goals (including plans for obtaining funding), and (iii) how the proposed research program complements and enhances the research mission of the Institute of Neuroscience, the Department of Biology, and the University of Oregon (up to 3 pages). 

• Teaching statement that describes inclusive practices related to: (i) goals towards higher educational instruction to meet the needs of a diverse student body, (ii) previous instructional experience including but not limited to experience in the classroom and/or with mentoring and training, and (iii) any previous efforts to increase inclusivity and/or science outreach activities (up to 1 page).

• Three letters of references.

The University of Oregon invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor with a focus on Developmental Neuroscience. The position is based at the University of Oregon’s main campus in Eugene, Oregon, and is associated with the Institute of Neuroscience and the Department of Biology. A successful candidate will display a strong record of research accomplishments in the area of Developmental Neuroscience with the expectation that they will build a strong, externally-funded research program. The specific area of focus within developmental neuroscience is open, though very strong preference will be given to research programs focusing on fundamental mechanisms of neural circuit wiring, circuit maturation, and behavior that intersect with genetics, neural activity, and environmental influences using animal model systems. Critically, a successful candidate’s expertise should synergize and advance the research programs of the institute, department, and university. Additionally, the candidate must show a strong commitment to the educational mission of a public university with the expectation that they will contribute to the neuroscience and biology curricula. The candidate will be committed to the university mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the expectation of fostering a healthy and respectful community across the range of research, teaching, and administrative duties. The applicant should currently be in a position equivalent to an assistant professor or postdoctoral fellow.

The search Committee will begin to review applications starting October 15th. Those applications that are complete at this date, including having all references submitted, will be given priority. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Questions about the application process may be directed to Faculty Support Specialist, Judi McDonald, at judimac@uoregon.edu.

The Institute of Neuroscience includes ~30 faculty spanning the departments of Biology, Psychology, Human Physiology, Mathematics, Physics, and Bioengineering. Research topics span molecular, developmental, systems, neuroethological, neuroengineering, and theoretical neuroscience. The Institute is the birthplace of zebrafish as a model system, and groups investigate questions using invertebrates, vertebrates, and humans. The Department of Biology consists of ~50 research and teaching faculty. Research faculty are affiliated with one of four institutes, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, or Marine Biology. Faculty members also participate extensively in related centers of excellence including the Center for Translational Neuroscience, Center for Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence, META Center for Host-Microbe Systems Biology, the Center for Genome Function, and the Materials Science Institute. The Department’s educational mission focuses on undergraduate and graduate coursework, laboratory work, mentorship, and training.

The University of Oregon (UO) is an R1 institution, a member of the Association of American Universities and enrolls ~20,000 undergraduate and ~4,000 graduate students. The UO recently joined the Big Ten Academic Alliance bringing together research and academic institutions sharing a common mission of research and teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The 295-acre main UO campus features state-of-the-art facilities in an arboretum-like setting, with satellite campuses in Portland and on the coast in Charleston, Oregon. The University supports its educational mission through modern libraries, teaching, laboratory classrooms, field research opportunities, and extensive undergraduate and graduate mentored training. UO supports its research mission through generous research space and state-of-the-art Core Facilities including the Genomics and Cell Characterization Core Facility, the Imaging Microscopy Core, the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization, the Research Advanced Computing Services, and terrestrial and aquatic animal cores. Clinical opportunities are supported via collaborations with Oregon Health Sciences University.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD, have an outstanding record of research accomplishments, and demonstrate a strong basis for building an externally-funded research program in developmental neuroscience.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in post-doctoral research in the area of developmental neuroscience, in teaching and mentoring, and in inclusive professional practices and outreach.