Tenure track position in Computational Biology
The Departments of Biology and Chemistry at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) invite applications for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Biology beginning Fall 2022. The position will be housed in the Biology Department with a joint appointment in Chemistry. We seek candidates that use computational approaches to answer basic biological questions, which may include research in systems biology, metabolomics, computational neuroscience, bioinformatics, genomics, etc. The selected finalist will establish an independent research program that successfully attracts extramural funding, actively contribute to departmental development, and engage in innovative teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The position offers competitive start-up funds and salary in a dynamic and highly interactive research environment. Faculty have access to significant computational resources including the world class Texas Advanced Computing Center (www.tacc.utexas.edu/) as well as the Genomics Computing Cluster (www.utrgv.edu/som/stdoi/research/capabilities-and-resources/index.htm) and the High Performance Computing Center housed in the Physics Department, which will include a $1.2 million Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) cluster. Additional molecular biology resources, such as a BioAnalyzer and a MiSeq sequencer, are available within the Biology Department.
UTRGV is a leading Hispanic-serving institution recently promoted to R2 Carnegie research classification and with the goal to become an R1 institution. As such, the successful applicant will benefit from college and university initiatives aligned with this goal, such as expanded research facilities, faculty salary incentives for external funding, an inclusive and welcoming environment, and growing graduate offerings that include two new doctoral programs (PhD in Math and Statistics and PhD in Physics) and several more in the pipeline.
Diversity and inclusion are part of our core values and as such we encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups in the sciences. It is our commitment to elevate the lives and economic well-being of the Valley community by offering first-rate education in the STEM fields. We value applicants who can understand and have overcome race, gender-based, and ability-based barriers, and who can bring with them the wealth of worldview, perspective, and experience that is critical to an innovative and accessible educational environment. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution with a student population that is over 90% Hispanic, UTRGV is committed to preparing its students to succeed, contribute and excel in an increasingly diverse, global, and interconnected world. Applicants who identify with this mission are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research plan (2 page maximum), statement of teaching philosophy and experience (2 page maximum), and the names & contact information of at least three professional references. Complete applications should be submitted online at careers.utrgv.edu/postings/30652. Electronic inquiries may be directed to Julie Mustard (julie.mustard@utrgv.edu), search committee chair. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by December 15, 2021. Evaluation of the applicants will begin on December 17, 2021.
About the Departments: The Department of Biology at UTRGV, located on the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, is a highly collegial group of 40 faculty responsible for educating over 100 graduate students and 2300 undergraduate majors. Composed of faculty and staff committed to research and education in the life sciences. Active research areas include cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, animal behavior, microbiology, vector biology, and ecology provide many opportunities for collaboration. The Department of Biology offers a Master of Science (Biology) degree, a Master of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; jointly with Chemistry) degree, and a Bachelor of Science (Biology). The Department of Chemistry along with BCMB program is committed to quality education, community service, and preparing students for graduate work or careers in chemistry, as well as preparing students for admission to the schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The department has latest research facilities in chemical and biochemical research and education and is the home to approximately 30 full time faculty and about 400 graduate and undergraduate students. ACS accredited BS degrees are offered in Chemistry, along with graduate degrees at the master’s levels. The Department of Chemistry offers a Master of Science (Chemistry) degree, a Master of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; jointly with Biology) degree, a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) degree, a Bachelor of Science degree with teaching certification, a minor in Chemistry, and a minor in Biochemistry. UTRGV is planning to launch in the near future an interdisciplinary PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering, on which the chemistry department will be a key participant.
A Ph.D. in Biology or Biochemistry or related field and postdoctoral experience are required. Applicants should provide evidence of or strong potential for significant research productivity. Externally funded research and teaching experience are considered a plus. This position will contribute to the interdisciplinary Master's program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Successful candidates will demonstrate potential for establishing an independent research program, forming collaborations with colleagues within UTRGV and, the ability to involve both undergraduate and graduate students in research activities, and a commitment to educate a diverse body of students at a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Complete applications should be submitted online at careers.utrgv.edu/postings/30652. Electronic inquiries may be directed to Julie Mustard (julie.mustard@utrgv.edu), search committee chair. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by December 15, 2021. Evaluation of the applicants will begin on December 17, 2021.