Assistant Professor in Translational Sciences

AACTE Connect360; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a 9‑month, tenure‑track faculty position in Translational Neuropharmacology in Metabolic Engineering. This appointment is part of PHI and represents a collaborative effort between multiple units within the university.

The successful candidate will establish metabolite‑producing cell systems and advance preclinical/clinical testing for neurodegenerative diseases, while mentoring students and contributing to teaching in Biomedical Physiology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, synthetic biology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research.

Responsibilities

• Establish an externally funded translational drug discovery program.
• Foster collaborations between ICNDR and CMBE.
• Mentor students and teach courses at undergrad/grad levels.

Skills

Translational pharmacology

Metabolic engineering

Neuroscience

Synthetic biology

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in biomedical sciences

Related fields: pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience

Job description

Position Summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a 9‑month, tenure‑track faculty position in the interdisciplinary area of Translational Neuropharmacology in Metabolic Engineering. This appointment is part of the 2025‑2026 Presidential Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative (PHI) and represents a collaborative recruitment effort between the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (CMBE) in the College of Engineering, and the Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research (ICNDR).

The successful candidate will accelerate the development of metabolite‑producing cell systems and advance preclinical and clinical testing for neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s). Key duties include:

1. Establishing an internationally recognized translational drug discovery research program at the intersection of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
2. Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between ICNDR and CMBE.
3. Competing successfully for extramural funding (NIH, DOD, NSF, pharmaceutical partners) to sustain cutting‑edge research and support an integrated graduate and postdoctoral training program.

Responsibilities

• Establish a dynamic, externally funded research program and contribute significantly to the department’s teaching mission, specifically in Biomedical Physiology undergraduate major.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral associates.
• Teach undergraduate, graduate, or professional DVM courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, including pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, pathology, synthetic biology, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong commitment to teaching excellence at undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on biomedical physiology and translational pharmacology.
• Demonstrated excellence in biotherapeutic preclinical evaluation of bioengineered neural therapeutics.
• Knowledge of advancing biotherapeutics from preclinical to clinical commercialization.
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Strong integration of engineering methods with biological or biomedical applications.
• Innovative research bridging neuropharmacology, neuroscience, and metabolic engineering with translational relevance.
• Translational research evidence related to neurodegenerative diseases and evidence of research productivity in translational research.

Physical Demands

• Periodic seated and standing work; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, and reaching.
• Ability to talk, hear, and comprehend written and spoken instructions.
• Visual acuity required for laboratory work.

Application Requirements

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
5. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents

1. Portfolio
2. Media Portfolio
3. Writing Sample
4. Sample Publications
5. Unofficial Transcripts
6. Other Documents #1
7. Other Documents #2
8. Certification
9. Unofficial Letters of Recommendation
10. Public Service/Extension Philosophy

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).