The Institute for Translational Neuroscience (ITN) at the University of Minnesota (UMN), in conjunction with Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology is seeking up to 3 tenure or tenure-track faculty members with Ph.D. and/or M.D. degrees at Assistant, Associate or Full Professor levels to enhance research strengths in the neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases.

ITN was established to promote and facilitate translation of basic neuroscience discoveries into clinically relevant settings and includes a broad range of scientists with established research programs in neurodegenerative diseases, including the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CND; Michael Lee, Harry Orr, Jerrold Vitek), the Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center (BAARC), Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care (GCMRC; Karen Ashe), and Wellstone Center for Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). Additional ITN centers are the Center for Neuroengineering and Neurophysiology and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR).

In conjunction with the opening of the 115,000 sq. ft. Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (WMBB), the $53-million expansion of the CMRR facility, and the expansion of Parkinson’s disease (PD) programs in the Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, the ITN is recruiting investigators with particular interests in PD, dystonia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuromuscular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and/or ataxias. Strong candidates using state-of-the-art molecular, cell biological, imaging, or systems approaches to investigate neurodegenerative diseases are particularly encouraged to apply. Further, the Department of Neurology is particularly interested in clinician-scientists in all aspects of movement and/or neuromuscular disorders with strong, laboratory based research programs. The key criteria are superlative scientific accomplishment, the promise of future research impact, and the potential for interaction with existing programs. Successful candidates must demonstrate the capability to establish a vigorous, externally-funded research program, a commitment to medical, graduate or undergraduate education, and leadership through vision and collaborative program development.

Successful recruits will receive substantial recurring salary support from ITN, an excellent startup package, and laboratory space in the WMBB housing the ITN, CND and the GCMRC. WMBB is a part of an integrated biomedical research complex consisting of the CMRR building and the Lions Research Building/McGuire Translational Research Facility housing the Center for Neurological Research, the CMRR, the Center for Orphan Drug Research, the Stem Cell Institute, and the Center for Immunology. Departmental affiliation will be determined by a combination of the applicant’s research interests and relevance of applicant’s research program and teaching/clinical interests to departmental mission. For Assistant Professor appointments, candidates are expected to have relevant doctoral and postdoctoral training and research accomplishments consistent with developing a nationally recognized and independent research program. Associate or Full Professor appointments require demonstrated independence and research productivity, including a strong track record of major external funding and peer-reviewed publications. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or be eligible to secure permanent residence status. The starting date is negotiable, with appointments available as soon as summer 2012. The University of Minnesota is committed to diversifying its faculty and encourages applications from women and minorities.

Review of applications will commence March 1, 2012 and continue until the positions are filled. Applicants should send curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and intentions, and three letters of reference to: ITN Faculty Search Committee, Attention:Rosalyn Segal, Medical School Dean's Office, MMC 293, 420 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455. Electronic versions of the required information may be e-mailed but must be followed with a hard-copy for the official search files. Applicants must also complete the online application. This may be found at http://employment.umn.edu under requisition #175721 or by using the quick link.