Assistant Professor

***This is a Temporary Position from 8/17/2025 to 8/17/2028 ***

Job Summary: The Assistant Professor's responsibility encompasses education, research, and/or service. Demonstrates loyalty to the mission, policies, standards, and regulations of his/her department, school, and the University, and follows the administrative policies set up by the University and the individual school. Performs other duties as needed. The ideal candidate for the Ophthalmology department is expected to establish and maintain a productive, independent research program while also collaborating across the department and institution. Responsibilities include designing and executing innovative studies in stem cell biology, differentiation, and regenerative medicine, with emphasis on advancing culture techniques, organoid and three-dimensional modeling, genetic engineering platforms such as CRISPR/Cas9, and single-cell analysis. The candidate will mentor and supervise postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff, cultivating a supportive and inclusive research environment. A central expectation of this role is the preparation and submission of competitive grant applications to secure extramural funding, as well as participation in collaborative, multi-investigator proposals. The candidate will disseminate findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international scientific meetings. Interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged, particularly with clinical investigators, to accelerate translational applications of stem cell-based therapies. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with institutional and federal research regulations, contributing to departmental seminars and committees, and supporting the academic mission of the institution through scholarly service. Visa support is provided to qualified candidates.

Education and Experience: PhD required. Minimum two years of work/teaching experience in the area of specialization required. Additional preferred experience includes strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, expertise in advanced molecular and cellular techniques (eg, CRISPR/Cas9, organoid/3D culture, single-cell analysis), evidence of research independence and potential for securing extramural funding, experience with translational or preclinical stem cell models and familiarity with regulatory considerations for cell-based therapies.

Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of current technology and educational media used in teaching and presentations. Able to effectively communicate changes and instructions in a professional, effective and positive manner. Able speak in English with professional quality. Think critically; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; able to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure. Able to distinguish colors as necessary; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone, and identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the workplace; see adequately to read computer screens, and written documents necessary to the position.

Licensures and Certifications: None