Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Social Epigenetics (Open Rank)

Description

The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce a strategic hiring initiative targeting several emerging and multidisciplinary themes. As part of this initiative, we are searching for a Social Epigeneticist whose research focuses on the identification of social-environmental factors, their influence on human biology through epigenetic modifications, and how they contribute to current health disparities. We invite open rank applications and nominations for this tenure-track faculty position.  Candidates will be expected to maintain a robust research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and have research expertise appropriate for effectively mentoring trainees at the undergraduate, doctoral, and/or post-doctoral levels. Successful candidates will be expected to maintain extramural funding for an active research program at the University of Michigan.

As a school, we are building on existing faculty interests to develop a research group in health equity and social change through physical activity and sport. A successful candidate will be expected to participate in this effort, as a foundational member. This initiative is motivated by a vision to expand knowledge of how sport and physical activity programs at the individual, organizational, and/or community levels may address (in)equities/disparities in health and wellbeing, thereby contributing to social change. Environmental factors, including physical exercise, have been shown to have a beneficial influence on epigenetic modifications. Accordingly, potential areas of study include but are not limited to epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA methylation, micro-RNA expression) in response to the environment, targeted epigenetic therapies, and environmental/social strategies to minimize health disparities.

In addition to the many exciting opportunities within the School of Kinesiology, the school has a strong record of successfully partnering with other academic units within the university - consistent with the culture of the University of Michigan that highly values innovation across disciplines. Faculty members are encouraged to work with experts across campus, and internal funding opportunities exist to support collaborative teams.

Qualifications

A PhD is required. Scholars from different disciplines, whose research centers on social epigenetics, are encouraged to apply, including those with doctorate degrees in genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular/developmental biology, kinesiology, public health, social or behavioral sciences, or related field. Candidates must have experience in primary data collection, which involves gathering original data directly from sources through methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or biological sampling, rather than relying solely on existing data. Candidates should also demonstrate their contributions to a positive workplace culture, aligned with our school’s core values. 

 

Assistant Professor candidates should demonstrate academic independence with respect to: 1) publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research, 2) mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, 3) teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise, 4) the ability to seek and secure research funding, and 5) a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

At the Associate and Full Professor ranks, candidates should demonstrate a consistent and ongoing record of securing research funding. Additionally, they should possess the necessary experience and skills to provide leadership that will advance the scholarly excellence of the School of Kinesiology. These requirements are in addition to those expected at the Assistant Professor rank mentioned above.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/156408. For best consideration, apply by December 1, 2024, however, applications may continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position has been filled.

The below materials should be consolidated into one PDF document before uploading to Interfolio.   

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research