Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

As part of a continuing campaign to grow and enhance the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky (https://bio.as.uky.edu/ ) in Lexington, KY, we seek to hire two tenure-track Assistant Professors. We aim to expand research in the following areas: (1) neurobiology and (2) biology of environmental change. We are also interested in areas of biology that enhance or complement our department’s research portfolio. We welcome applicants seeking to build research programs that use any combination of empirical, computational, and theoretical approaches. Moreover, we encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build a diverse and inclusive department.

The Department of Biology is a highly collaborative environment with strengths in evolutionary genetics and genomics, phylogenetics and macroecology, evolutionary and behavioral ecology, neuroendocrinology and neurophysiology, biological clocks and sleep, and regenerative, developmental and stem cell biology. Biology faculty and trainee research use a diverse array of biological systems (e.g., insects, lampreys, zebrafish, birds, salamanders, rodents, primates, microbes, planaria, snakes, and vascular and non-vascular plants) and mathematical and computational tools. Members of the department collaborate with life science faculty in the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, and Arts & Sciences, the Markey Cancer Center, the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science.

Applicants for both positions must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with postdoctoral experience (minimum 6 months) demonstrating excellence in their field. Evidence of an ability to obtain extramural grant support and/or some teaching experience is encouraged. Responsibilities for the successful candidates include: (1) establishment of an independent research program that is supported by awards from extramural agencies; (2) contribution to the teaching mission of the undergraduate program; (3) teaching and mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; and (4) service for the department, university, and profession. Competitive start-up funds and renovated laboratory space will be provided.

Applicants should submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) description of the prospective research program (2 to 3 pages; upload as Specific Request 1), 4) one-page description of teaching interests (upload as Specific Request 2), and 5) statement on inclusivity (upload as Specific Request 3). As a college and university, we are strongly committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, and working environment for all. In one to two pages, applicants should reflect on their commitments, approaches, and insights related to inclusion, diversity, and equity. In addition, please provide the names and contact information for three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.

Questions about the department and/or these searches should be addressed to Dr. David Weisrock, Chair, Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, email: david.weisrock@uky.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received before October 15, 2021 are assured full consideration.