Ignite Scholar, Research Assistant Professor

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED); Rootstown Township (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

Retirement

Paid Time Off

Educational benefits with partner uni

Job summary

NEOMED invites applications for the Ignite Scholar program, a mentored pathway toward a tenure-track faculty position in Biomedical Sciences. The program offers two tracks—Research and Graduate Education—designed to build an independent research career with senior mentorship.

Recent PhD graduates or early postdocs will develop a personalized plan with milestones, aiming to automatic tenure-track appointment after 2–3 years upon meeting productivity criteria and teaching competence.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in [Relevant Field] biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline, with the degree requirements expected to be completed before appointment starts
• Early postdoctoral experience preferred
• Must be eligible to submit NIH or NSF proposals
• Demonstrated research experience with a track record of first author publications in high impact peer-reviewed journals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in relevant techniques for the candidate's research area
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research setting
• Strong motivation and ambition to build a research career
• Openness to mentorship and guidance
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Research Track: Focus 90% of your time on pioneering research with minimal initial teaching responsibilities as a Research Assistant Professor.
• Graduate Education Track: Dedicate 50% of your time to advancing biomedical science education, with opportunities to shape the future of medical and graduate students.
• Collaborate with mentor to formulate a personalized research development plan with milestones toward independence.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
• Write and submit at least one extramural grant application
• Work closely with the assigned mentor to receive guidance on research strategies, grant applications, and career development.
• Participate in regular meetings with the mentor to review progress and adjust the plan as needed.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and networking.
• The candidate may participate in graduate or medical student education and lab personnel training.
• Teaching duties will be those of full-time tenure-track faculty upon transition to tenure track.
• No service requirement during participation; service obligations align with others post-transition.
• Collaborate in grant proposals and research reports; work with other researchers to foster interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Research Track: Develop a robust independent program; Graduate Education Track: pursue educational research and grant writing.

Education

PhD or equivalent in [Relevant Field] biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline

Early postdoctoral experience

Tools

NIH proposals

Job description

Department Specific Information

Join Northeast Ohio Medical University's (NEOMED) College of Medicine

Position Type: Faculty

Department: Biomedical Sciences

Full or Part Time: Full Time

Pay Grade: 2

Ignite Scholar: Pathway to a Tenure Track Faculty Position for Emerging Elite Scholars

Are you a high-achieving biomedical researcher or educator ready to take the next step toward an academic career? The Ignite Scholar Program at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) offers an unparalleled opportunity for recent postdoctoral fellows or PhD graduates to be part of its second class of Ignite Scholars. Embark on a fast-track path to a tenure-track faculty position. This innovative program offers two dynamic tracks—Research and Graduate Education in Biomedical Science & Innovation, each tailored to provide the mentorship, resources, and support you need to thrive as a future leader in biomedical research or education.

Summary

The Ignite Scholar role is ideal for talented biomedical researchers who have recently completed their doctoral degree and seek a mentored pathway toward a tenure track faculty position. The program has two tracks, (1) research and (2) graduate education in biomedical science and innovation. The research track is designed to provide a platform for building a robust research program with minimal initial teaching responsibilities. The successful candidate will work closely with a senior mentor at NEOMED to develop an independent research career. Fields of study include: neuroscience and hearing research, cardiovascular or cancer biology, tissue regeneration and repair, motor control, health services research, or bioinformatics. After successful completion of the two-to-three-year program, including meeting productivity criteria and demonstration of teaching competence, the scholar will automatically be appointed to a tenure track assistant professor position.

Principal Functional Responsibilities:Scholarly Pursuits and Research:

• At least 90% of the Ignite Scholar's time in the research track will be protected for research.
• Conduct collaborative scholarly inquiry, write and publish quality papers, and participate in scholarly activities within the laboratory.
• Conduct innovative research within the mentor's lab, developing a new research initiative that melds the candidate's previous experience with the expertise of the research mentor.
• Collaborate with the mentor to formulate a personalized research development plan with clear milestones toward achieving research independence.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at relevant conferences.
• Write and submit at least one extramural grant application

Mentorship And Career Development

• Work closely with the assigned mentor to receive guidance on research strategies, grant applications, and career development.
• Participate in regular meetings with the mentor to review progress and adjust the research development plan as needed.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and networking to enhance research skills and career prospects.

Teaching

• The candidate may participate in graduate or medical student education and lab personnel training. Previous teaching experience is not required.
• For the Research Track: Perform approximately 5 hours of teaching per year, which may include guest lectures or seminar presentations. Upon successful transition to tenure track assistant professor, teaching duties will be those of any full-time tenure-track faculty.

Service

• No service requirement during participation in the Ignite Scholars program. Service requirements upon transition to tenure track assistant professor will be consistent with those for others of similar rank at NEOMED.

Administrative And Collaborative Duties

• Collaborate in preparation of grant proposals and research reports.
• Collaborate with other researchers, both within the laboratory and across the institution, to foster interdisciplinary research opportunities.
• Contribute to the research environment by participating in lab meetings and contributing to collaborative projects.

Miscellaneous Duties:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• PhD or equivalent in [Relevant Field] biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline, with the degree requirements expected to be completed before appointment starts
• Early postdoctoral experience preferred

Requirements

• Must be eligible to submit NIH or NSF proposals

Experience

• Demonstrated research experience with a track record of first author publications in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Proficiency in relevant techniques for the candidate's research area
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research setting.

Personal Attributes

• Strong motivation and ambition to build a research career.
• Openness to mentorship and guidance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to collect and analyze experimental data and handle animals. Must be able to utilize applicable laboratory equipment necessary for the job, as well as a phone, computer and other office equipment.

What You Will Do

• Research Track: Focus 90% of your time on pioneering research with minimal initial teaching responsibilities as a Research Assistant Professor. You will develop a robust, independent research program in collaboration with a senior mentor at NEOMED. Explore exciting fields such as neuroscience and hearing research, cardiovascular or cancer biology, tissue regeneration and repair, motor control, health services research, or bioinformatics.
• Graduate Education Track: Dedicate 50% of your time to advancing biomedical science education, with opportunities to shape the future of medical and graduate students. Engage in educational research, dissemination, and grant writing, and build a rewarding career as an educational scholar.

How will you benefit?

Upon successfully completing this two-to-three-year program and meeting professional benchmarks, you will be automatically appointed to a tenure-track assistant professor position—a seamless transition from early career scholar to full-fledged academic leader.

Mentorship & Career Development

You will receive personalized guidance and support from a dedicated mentor, ensuring that you stay on track to meet your goals. Regular check‑ins with a guidance committee will help you to refine your research, enhance your teaching skills, and accelerate your career progression.

Why NEOMED?

At our organization, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that is essential to fulfilling our mission. We believe every employee should feel appreciated, valued, and empowered. To maintain a supportive organizational culture, we seek individuals whose values align with our mission and who thrive in a team-based approach. We encourage individuals whose values align with this collaborative approach to apply.

Benefits & Perks

Healthcare Coverage

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-and long-term disability coverage, Long-term care coverage options, and Life insurance

Retirement

• State retirement plan with 14% employer matching to help you plan for the future

Paid Time Off

• Generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 11 paid holidays each year

Additional Benefits

• Educational benefits with our partner universities (Policy#3349-07-45)
• Ongoing investment in your professional growth through on-site training and Lean Six Sigma certification
• Employee wellness activities and initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance

NEOMED is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, NEOMED also affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination in its employment policies and practices. In compliance with Title IX (20 U.S.C Sec. 1681 et seq.), NEOMED prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.