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The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Position Information

Position/Rank Rank of Professor is desired Department 00279 - Medicinal Chemistry City Salt Lake City, UT Track Tenure Track New Position to Begin 07/01/2024 Details

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry is seeking its next Chair. Building on the department's legacy of excellence and innovation, the new Department Chair will have the opportunity to continue to move the department forward with an ambitious vision for growth and impact. The successful candidate will have the resources to maintain a world-class research program and develop additional innovative research programs in the department through recruitment and internal investment. The new Chair will be expected to provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the department. The Chair will have responsibility for the coordination and administration of the overall academic agenda and education activities in the department and college.

The department is interested in advancing research and discovery in areas that include but are not limited to: drug discovery, design, and development; fundamental scientific research in bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology; design and development of computational, digital, chemical, and synthetic biological tools applied to problems in human health and disease; and innovative applications of chemistry at interfaces with infectious diseases, immunology, cancer, metabolism, genetic diseases, or neuroscience. A highly collaborative Health Sciences Center facilitates these interdisciplinary activities.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Chair include:

* Setting a vision and executing the strategic direction for the department;

* Managing the departmental budget in furtherance of the department's direction;

* Recruiting outstanding faculty and building new research programs;

* Providing inspirational mentorship of department faculty, fellows, students, and staff;

* Maintaining and supporting an active and productive research program;

* Participating in and providing leadership for the department in the areas of research, teaching, and service;

* Providing leadership within the college as a member of the Executive Committee;

* Engaging with faculty across the health sciences to enhance interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Qualifications:

* A PhD or other advanced degree in Medicinal Chemistry or related field of study;

* Demonstrated scholarly and/or professional achievement with distinction sufficient to merit appointment at the rank of professor is desired;

* Demonstrated ability to serve as a leader and build collaborative teams within and across departments;

* International reputation for research accomplishments;

* Commitment to teaching excellence in subjects relevant to both graduate (PhD) and professional (PharmD) programs in the College of Pharmacy;

* Because the Department Chair will have the opportunity to recruit new faculty and expand the research scope of the department, a compelling vision for the future of the department is essential;

* Excellent managerial and communication skills.

About the Department of Medicinal Chemistry:

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry in the College of Pharmacy is located in the Health Sciences Center, which allows for excellent opportunities for collaboration and synergy within the College of Pharmacy and also within the School of Medicine where there are specific strengths in cardiovascular disease, cancer, genetics, immunology/ inflammation/infectious disease, metabolism, neurology, and neuroscience. Research in the Department is strongly supported by excellent chemical and biochemical infrastructure, a cross-disciplinary Biological Chemistry graduate program, a T32 training grant in Chemical Biology, and many other University programs and training grants. Substantial opportunities are available to create interdisciplinary initiatives through the Therapeutics Accelerator, the Huntsman Cancer Institute (an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), and other resources. The faculty are also strongly committed to a teaching mission that encompasses PharmD and PhD students. Current faculty research areas include:

* Synthesis and testing of novel drugs for areas such as cancer and infectious diseases.

* Biomolecular structure, dynamics and interactions using computational chemistry and structural biology.

* Chemical biology, synthetic biology, and drug discovery of natural products.

* Digital therapeutics and drug+digital combination therapies.

* Design and application of synthetic libraries and probes to biology and drug discovery.

* Chemical biology of posttranslational modifications on histones.

* Chemical biology of carbohydrates such as heparan, chondroitin, dermatan and keratan sulfates.

* Chemical tools for studying and therapeutically targeting phosphorylation-dependent cellular signaling pathways.

* Medicinal chemistry and chemical biology targeted toward enzymes involved in immunology, neurological development, cancer, gene regulation, etc.

* New tools for studying the biosynthesis, recognition, and functions of chemical modifications on RNA.

* Chemical and biological sensor development.

* Nucleic acid-targeting drugs.

About the College of Pharmacy:

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy is located in the state-of-the-art L.S. Skaggs Research Institute and is part of University of Utah Health (UHealth), an umbrella health sciences center encompassing a wide scope of clinical and research enterprises. UHealth has been ranked in the Top 10 nationally for quality for the past thirteen years, demonstrating superior performance based on safety, timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centeredness. Through the University of Utah Therapeutics Accelerator Hub (U2TAH), the College and the Huntsman Cancer Institute have invested in commercialization of faculty discoveries to bring innovative therapies to patients. Strong philanthropic support has propelled the College of Pharmacy into the top ranks of pharmacy schools nationally and it is consistently ranked among the top programs nationally in terms of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research productivity. The College is a national leader in applying science to personalized medicine to improve health care delivery through optimized medication outcomes. The College has four departments: Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacotherapy, and Molecular Pharmaceutics. To learn more:

About the University of Utah:

The University of Utah (the U) is the state's flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs, and an enrollment of more than 32,000 students. In 2019, the University joined the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only, prestigious group of 65 leading research institutions marked by excellence in academic expertise and research impact, student success, and securing resources in support of core missions, which are focused on serving the increasingly diverse student population at the U. In Fall 2022, domestic students of color accounted for more than 30% of the undergraduate population-up from 18% in 2009.

The U is located in Salt Lake City, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing-economically and culturally-metropolises in the U.S. The city is uniquely situated to offer both unmatched outdoor and exciting urban experiences, with mountain vistas only a few steps away and vast red-rock desert landscapes within reach of a scenic afternoon drive. Additionally, the Utah Asia Campus was established in 2014 and is located in Songdo International Business District in South Korea. Students attending the Utah Asia Campus find the same world-class U.S. academic experience offered at the campus in Salt Lake City.

At the U, you'll find world-class research, education, and clinical care complemented by a lively social, cultural, and athletic campus experience. An unparalleled spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and community service has enabled the U to innovate across fields, pioneer new programs with social impact, generate path-breaking discoveries, fuel critical research, and inspire innovative approaches to education.

President Taylor R. Randall became the 17th President of the University of Utah in August 2021, following a prior tenure as the dean of the University's David Eccles School of Business. Under his leadership, the Eccles School gained a national reputation as a place of innovation, garnering top 10 entrepreneurship rankings for both undergraduate and graduate programs. During his time as dean, the value of an Eccles School education increased dramatically. He established the First Ascent Scholars Program, which cultivates, encourages, and enables academically focused students with significant financial needs to attend the Eccles School. President Randall recently released his strategic vision for the University of Utah calling for increased enrollment to 40,000 students and an increase in research funding to $1 billion by 2025. This plan emphasizes the collaboration between the main and health campuses at the University of Utah, which is referred to as "One U." Working together across campus will allow the U to meet the vision described by President Randall to accelerate the University's rise as it focuses on four overarching goals: student success, knowledge transfer, community engagement, and institutional vitality. President Taylor led the University's recently completed Imagine New Heights campaign to record-breaking results, securing $3 billion in charitable gift commitments.

The U strives to be a model public university in delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, the nation, and the world. The U's reputation for excellence draws top-tier faculty and attracts motivated students nationally and internationally. Students bring diverse experiences and outlooks - representing traditional and nontraditional students alike - thereby enhancing the exceptional educational experience the U offers.

Learn more at utah.edu.

To Apply:

Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and a cover letter that describes both your motivation for application and how your leadership experience aligns with the key qualifications of the role.

Applications must be submitted on-line. Use the following link to apply:

Inquiries may be directed to the Chair Search Committee: Scott Summers PhD, Distinguished Professor at scott.a.summers@health.utah.edu.

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, diversity, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen and immunizations. This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates Open Date 11/28/2023 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Requisition Number PRN03416F Type Faculty

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

* Cover Letter

* Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

* Appropriate discharge document (such as a DD-214 - Member Copy 4) - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169

* Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169 after submission