Position Overview
The University of Kansas, School of Pharmacy is seeking a Distinguished Professor to have the title of The Howard Mossberg Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology. The Howard Mossberg Distinguished Professor will bring with them internationally recognized, funded research projects. They will be an influential faculty leader in the department, throughout the University of Kansas and beyond. Strong preference will be given to research focused on the development of therapeutic targets and treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
This position is supported by a well-funded endowment. The individual selected will manage these resources to conduct discovery-based research for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to having a robust research program, the successful candidate will also teach in the professional and graduate programs and be engaged with service activities at the university or department level. Tenured faculty positions generally have an allocation of effort that represents 40% effort in research and teaching and 20% in service. However, this position does have the flexibility to shift the allocation of effort up to 60% research and 20% teaching and service upon the interest and the request of the successful candidate at the time of hire.
A Distinguished Professorship is awarded wholly on the basis of merit, following exacting criteria; demographic factors and years of services are not taken into account. Therefore, it is not surprising that the number is small - less than 100 - for the entire university. A nominee must be truly distinguished as a scholar, ranking among the top scholars in the United States for their particular field, and possessing an international reputation of excellence. However, an exemplary scholarly record is not enough; a preeminent ability to teach must always complement it. The KU School of Pharmacy currently has seven Distinguished Professors among their staff.
At the University of Kansas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty and community. The successful candidate must hold a PhD, MD, or DVM, have an exceptional record of externally funded research and previous teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. The successful applicant appointment to this position is expected to lead and participate in collaborative research projects. The position comes with state supported salary for nine-months and the opportunity for grant supported summer salary for an additional 3 months. Excellent University-shared core research facilities that houses specialized scientific instruments and provide expert consultation and services to investigators, a generous start-up package and endowed funds support the position.
Job Description
Research – 60%
- Continuous growth and enhancement of a cutting-edge, well-funded research program focused on systems-based mechanistic and pharmacological study of Alzheimer’s Disease or other related neurological and psychiatric disorders, which provides opportunity for training graduate, post-doctoral, and qualified undergraduate students.
- Development of strong research relationships between the Department and other units on the Lawrence and the Medical Center Campus as well as appropriate public, private, or government institutions and agencies.
- Advance the Department and School’s role in the Bioscience and Technology Business Center (BTBC) on the Lawrence Campus and the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation (IAMI) on the KUMC Campus.
Teaching – 20% (cumulative efforts of class and laboratory teaching)
- Active participation in teaching professional pharmacy students in the PharmD program and/or graduate students in the Pharmacology & Toxicology program in class settings.
- Effective research supervision of students at different levels (graduate, undergraduate, PharmD, etc.) in laboratory settings.
Service – 20%
- Committee and task force commitments at the Department, School and University level as well as at the national and international level.
- Support, encourage and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty and staff.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D., M.D. or D.V.M. and research training in systems pharmacology, or a closely related field.
- Rank of Full Professor with tenure (Exceptional applicants currently at the rank of associate professor with tenure will be considered on the merits of each case.).
- An extensive publication history describing original research in leading publications. The number and quality of articles must demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence and productivity.
- An extensive history of national/international presentations.
- A history of consistent research funding at a high level, including federal funding sources.
Preferred Qualifications
- A distinguished record of accomplishment commensurate with nomination for a Distinguished Professorship within the University.
- Sustained record of teaching excellence (undergraduate and graduate), as indicated by student and peer evaluations, mentoring of students who have moved on to positions of responsibility, receipt of teaching awards or recognition
- Research expertise in a systems-based approach to Alzheimer’s Disease or a closely related neuroscience area.
- Multiple patent holder, with products commercialized
- Evidence of leadership roles in national/international organizations
- Service as an editor
Contact Information to Applicants
For questions about the position or to nominate a candidate, please contact:
Dr. Heng Du,
h505d663@ku.edu.
Additional Candidate Instruction
For complete information and to apply online go to:
https://employment.ku.edu/academic/27188BR
A complete application will include the following items: (1) a cover letter summarizing your research and teaching experience, and your vision for the position; (2) a CV that lists your record of accomplishments and productivity; (3) a research statement describing your current research activities and future plans; and (4) a list of 3 professional references including names, email address and contact information.
In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in diversity is an import part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application:
- Describe your experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Review of applications will begin April 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
