Research Assistant Professor
University of North Dakota

Salary/Position Classification

• $60,000-$70,000 Annual, dependent on experience, Exempt
• This position will work onsite out Grand Forks, ND campus.

A Research Assistant Professor position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Xuesong Chen to conduct research related to infectious diseases, organelle cell biology, and neurodegenerative disorders. A primary focus of the lab is to understand the involvement of organelle cell biology in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and infectious disorders. We have substantial funding and interests in the role of endolysosomes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders, and COVID-19 associated neurological complications. We use a number of modern techniques including molecular and genetic manipulation of cells, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, calcium imaging, and a variety of biochemical methods.

The applicant will design and conduct experiments outlined in funded grants as well as test new hypotheses related to the infectious disease (HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2) and neurodegenerative disorders. These experiments will include cells culture, molecular, histologic, and biochemical analysis, flow cytometry, calcium imaging, and confocal microscopy.

The work will focus heavily on the role of endolysosomes and inter-organellar signaling in Alzheimer's disease, HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders, and COVID-19 associated neurological complications; So, experience in these areas is highly desired. In addition, the successful candidate should focus their research on sex differences in neurodegenerative disorders.

In addition to conducting experiments related to funded grants, the duties of the position will include reading and knowing the relevant literature, training lab personnel in the laboratory, attending and presenting at scientific meetings, and writing grants and manuscripts. The successful candidate will be expected to write and submit grants to NIH and to other funding agencies. While the position is primarily research oriented, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the SMHS teaching mission.

• Ph.D. in virology and/or neuroscience or related field.
• 5 years of postdoctoral experience
• Publications in 3 of the 5 following areas (as demonstrated in your CV):
  
  • HIV-1
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Endolysosomes and/or inter-organellar signaling
  • Neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders
  • Estrogen receptors
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Infectious diseases; HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2
• Molecular/genetic studies of organelle cell biology
• Demonstrated ability to generate ideas worthy of receiving extramural funding

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11/05/2024 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Names and contact information for three references