Research Assistant Professor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

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Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

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Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

The Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the UNC School of Medicine is recruiting for a fixed-term faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. This position will focus on creation and use of human brain organoid models for basic and translational studies related to ciliopathies. Conceptually and technically novel and innovative research focused on the mechanisms of primary cilia signaling in health and disease are expected. A major effort will be participating in the operation of the Anton Lab and development and implementation of novel technologies and cell biological models relevant to its mission of defining the mechanisms of early cerebral cortical development in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. The position entails development and refinement of human organoid and mouse genetic models designed to define and manipulate primary cilia signaling in the developing neuronal and glial cells. The technologies involved may include latest advances in human cortical organoids, progenitor or neuron type specific mouse genetic models, live imaging, lineage tracing with bar codes, mapping of signaling interactomes, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of primary cilia signaling, single cell genomics, CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing, sequential proteomics of ciliary signaling networks, and functional evaluation of human mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The research areas will focus on neurodevelopmental disorders and the spectrum of models and technologies for their study. Additional duties will include participation in lab operation and management with a focus on staff collaboration. The development of independent research interests, funding, and publication in the scientific literature is highly desired.

PhD/MD/ DVM or equivalent degree in the biomedical sciences or similar field. Position requires experience with successful application of human brain organoid and complex mouse genetic models of brain development, original hypothesis-based experimental design and completion, RNA, protein, and epigenomic analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing, imaging technologies, and scholarly writing and publications.

Priority will be given to applicants with research experience focused on the mechanisms of cerebral cortical development, disorders, and the relevant genetic methodologies. Experience with project management and grant writing is a plus.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.