Recruit

The Department of Ophthalmology at UC Irvine School of Medicine is seeking accomplished Scientists or Physician-Scientists and invites applications for an open rank tenured/tenure track full-time position to enhance and expand existing strengths in vision science and related diseases.

The Department seeks candidates with an Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences or a related field of study interested in joining a strong, dynamic, and diverse research group focused on the development of cutting-edge genome editing approaches aimed at advancing our understanding of the visual system and addressing genetic eye diseases. Applicants working in any area of genetic engineering broadly defined will be fully considered. We are particularly interested in areas including, but not limited to, gene delivery, genome editing-associated DNA damage repair, immune response related to genome editing, gene therapy, and functional genomics (with an emphasis on CRISPR based high throughput functional screens), and their relevance to vision research.

The appointment at the Assistant (tenure-track), Associate (tenured), or Full Professor (tenured) rank will be based on the candidate’s background and experience. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and expectations.

This academic appointment has a target start date of July 1, 2025, and will be at the tenured or tenure-track level which confers membership in the UCI Academic Senate. The appointment will include membership in the Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) which comprises a synergistic interdepartmental and multidisciplinary research group seeking to understand and address pathologies of visual disorders. Departmental research leverages outstanding existing resources and strengths of UCI Health, Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, the School of Medicine, and partners across the UCI campus, including the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, the Cancer Research Institute, the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, and the Institute for Immunology. The vision research community at UCI has grown significantly over the past several years. The blend of innovative translational research and high-end clinical activities generates unparalleled opportunities for UCI as a top destination for truly translational vision research.

Additional qualifications:
The successful candidate will have an established strong track record of research, publications, and funding, and will be expected to support the institutional and departmental teaching and mentoring missions. Commensurate with rank.

Preferred Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be expected to establish an extramurally funded independent research program related to genome editing field and genetic vision diseases. Experience in ocular genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, high-throughput assays, CRISPR-based screening, ophthalmology, or pharmacology is a plus. Postdoctoral experience and demonstrated ability to conduct original, innovative genetics research is desirable.

TO APPLY: Please login onto UCI Recruit located https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09319. Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a publication list, a concise statement of proposed research, teaching statement and an inclusive excellence activities statement that (addresses past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion) must also be included in the application materials. Applicants should arrange by including contact information for three letters of recommendation. These may be requested later in the search process.

To ensure full consideration, applications and supporting materials should be received by the initial review date of November 30, 2024. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to Dr. Krzysztof (Kris) Palczewski at kpalczew@uci.edu.

The University of California, Irvine, established in 1965, is ranked among the nation’s best research institutes with over $668 million in yearly funding for fiscal 2023-2024. In addition:
• UCI is a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). These federal designations align with UCI as a national leader of inclusive excellence. Programs are available to meet the needs of dual-career academic partners.
•UCI is an HSI, an AANAPISI, and a charter member of the AAAS SEA Change initiative that supports institutional efforts to increase access and success for students, faculty and staff from groups marginalized in STEMM. Programs are available to meet the needs of dual-career academic partners.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.