Description:

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment in the area of neuroscience at the Assistant Professor rank. The preferred start date is August 2025.

The Department of Biology, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, offers a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, which has grown to approximately 135 majors in just five years. The Department of Biology also offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Biology: Pre-medical and maintains approximately 600 majors annually. We offer areas of emphasis in Human Health, Global Health, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Ecology/Ecosystems & Global Change, and Integrative Biology. The Department of Biology has over 40 graduate students in M.S. and Ph.D. programs with a strong track record of students receiving prestigious Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation fellowships. The Department of Biology is home to a state-of-the-art shared imaging facility, spatial transcriptomics tools, and the WVU Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility. Across the university there are over 40 basic and clinical neuroscience labs within the centers for neuroscience and the eye institute, which foster interdisciplinary collaborative research and funding opportunities.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will expand the Department’s existing neuroscience research, which includes behavioral genetics, neurodevelopment, molecular genetics, and circuit structure and function including connectomics.

Teaching responsibilities will normally include one lecture course per semester and one course per semester equivalent associated with undergraduate and graduate research training programs. The successful candidate is expected to teach classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels that complement the Department of Biology’s current neuroscience and molecular offerings.  The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

Professional Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have: 1) a PhD or equivalent degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field; Areas of neuroscience such as genetics, behavior, evolution, systems-level, and cellular focused research will be considered that use invertebrates or non-mammalian vertebrates. Researchers using big data approaches, cutting-edge quantitative tools and whose research emphasizes sensory or sensory-motor integration and/or neural plasticity are of high interest. 2) a strong record of postdoctoral scholarly publications; 3) demonstrated ability to develop an externally funded, independent research program; 4) openness to collaborative research; 5) strong potential for outstanding contribution to the Department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching and research missions; 6) ability to work across multiple levels of biological organization; 7) excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter addressed to the Department of Biology Neuroscience Search Committee, (2) a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and relevant teaching experience, (3) a research plan for the first five years, (4) a teaching and mentoring philosophy statement, and (5) a list of at least three references with complete contact information. Review of applications will begin  October 14^th  and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information please contact (Eric Horstick, eric.horstick@mail.wvu.edu).

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity”).  Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and commits to assist in partner employment.

WVU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, women and gender diverse individuals, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

About West Virginia University

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity”), founded in 1867. WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and many WVU programs hold specialized accreditation. The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU, and the Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state's four-year colleges and universities. E. Gordon Gee is WVU's 24th president. Fall 2023 WVU enrollment was 24,200 on the Morgantown campus.

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