Robert E. Chason Endowed Chair in Translational Research, MIND Institute

The MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for a full-time faculty member in the In-Residence or Regular/In-Residence split series at the advanced Assistant/Associate/Full Professor rank in the field of translational research in neurodevelopmental conditions. Faculty in this series are expected to engage in teaching, independent research and creative work, demonstrate professional competence and activity, and provide University and public service.

EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in neuroscience with demonstrated ability to garner external funding. Understanding that the term translational neurodevelopmental disabilities research holds many meanings, we provide examples of areas of study that candidates may be engaged in, although this list is not necessarily exhaustive:

• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) research that helps clarify basic biology, the existence of phenotypic differences, and/or treatment strategies for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  
  
• Clinical and basic cognitive neuroscience using novel neuroimaging or other techniques, and sophisticated data analytic methods or computational approaches to help reveal how brain circuits process information through development. Such studies might offer leads for biomarker development, early diagnosis and treatment, clarification of the link between brain functioning and symptoms, better understanding of how interventions work, and that generally promote precision medicine approaches that help autistic persons and individuals with other neurodevelopmental conditions
  
  
• Behavioral neuroscience that utilizes animal models that incorporate genetic or environmental constructs, to promote the understanding of behavioral and biological phenotypes, and to identify biomarkers and molecular mechanisms that may underlie them, with the goal of improving the precision of pharmacological interventions and other treatments for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  
  
• Genetics and genomics research that clarifies molecular contributions to autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions and phenotypes to identify relevant pathways and druggable targets that more precisely map to autism biology, leading to advances in drug development for autistic persons and individuals with other neurodevelopmental conditions
• Other efforts to understand the factors at the genetic, molecular, and cellular systems level that contribute to the development of the autism phenotype and those of other neurodevelopmental conditions through different phases of the lifespan with the goal of improving the lives of individuals with these phenotypes.

More specifically, they will be expected to:

• Lead and conduct translational science research in neurodevelopmental conditions, as evidenced by appropriate scientific publications.
• Provide leadership by bringing national and international recognition to the MIND Institute via understanding and treatment for neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Garner funding for their own research and programmatic efforts across MIND Institute disciplines and expertise.
• Maintain an active relationship with the local professional community and enhance the academic and intellectual life of the MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, and UC Davis.
  
  
• Participate in appropriate professional societies and educational organizations, including taking a leadership role in those organizations.
  
  
• Participate in service on research review boards.
• Engage in teaching and scholarly activities focused in the area of neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Teach courses regularly for undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or medical students in the area of neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Mentor early career scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Provide service to department, school and campus committees.
• Foster collegiality and work collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Adhere to University policies and procedures.
• Research focus area should be in translational neurodevelopmental disabilities research, including but not limited to iPSCs, cognitive neuroscience, genetics/genomics, and genome manipulation using diverse model systems.

The incumbent will be the holder of the Robert E. Chason Endowed Chair in Translational Research at the UC Davis MIND Institute. The MIND Institute is an interdisciplinary, collaborative research, clinical, and educational center committed to deepening our scientific understanding of the challenges associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Founded in 1998 by families of children with autism, they envisioned experts from disciplines related to brain development to work towards finding and developing treatments to reduce the challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families. The MIND Institute is especially known for research and clinical therapies developed for Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

In addition, the incumbent will meet the criteria to be appointed at the advance Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank, in an appropriate academic department within the School of Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF007378.

Department: https://health.ucdavis.edu/mind-institute/

Candidates must possess or be eligible for the following:

• M.D., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree
• Experience to be appointed at the advanced Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank.
• An outstanding record of research creativity, independence, and productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain extramurally funded research programs.
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively as a teacher.
• Committed to educate cohorts of early careers scientists rich in diversity with respect to gender, ethnicity, first-generation students, socioeconomic status, and academic interests.

• The ideal candidate will be internationally recognized for their research in the field of autism or closely related neurodevelopmental conditions although area of specialization and disciplinary background is open.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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