Adjunct Research Professor & Principal Investigator, Tumor Virology and RNA Biology

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The Adjunct Faculty position serves in a research-focused capacity within the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences (MCBS) at the University of New Hampshire. This appointment supports continuation of an active research program in tumor virology, chromatin regulation, and RNA splicing, with emphasis on Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

The appointment is designed to leverage the incumbent’s specialized expertise in DNA tumor virus biology and PRMT5-dependent splicing regulation in support of the department’s and university’s research and educational missions, while maintaining institutional continuity for active federally funded projects. This position is not considered essential staff.

Duties/Responsibilities

Grant-Funded Research Program (100%)

• Serve as Principal Investigator, Project Leader, or Co-Investigator, as appropriate, on active federally funded research grants awarded to UNH, with full accountability for scientific stewardship, compliance, reporting, and fiscal management in accordance with sponsoring agency requirements and UNH policies.

• Direct an independent research program investigating Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) tumorigenesis, PRMT5-dependent splicing regulation, and genome stability in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

• Contribute to scholarly output through peer-reviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, and invited seminars.

• Pursue additional extramural funding through NIH, NSF, and private foundation mechanisms to sustain and extend the research program.

• Liaise with NIH program officers, institutional research offices, and collaborating institutions as required to ensure effective stewardship of funded research

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in molecular biology, virology, or a closely related biomedical discipline.

• Demonstrated record of independent biomedical research evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in leading journals.

• Prior experience as Principal Investigator, Project Leader, or Co-Investigator on federally funded research grants.

• Demonstrated experience in grant administration, including budget management, regulatory compliance, and progress reporting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Specialized expertise in DNA tumor virus biology, host-virus interactions, and the molecular pathogenesis of virus-driven cancers.

• Advanced proficiency in mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, lentiviral shRNA knockdown, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA-seq and alternative splicing analysis, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

• Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills, evidenced by a track record of successful grant applications and peer-reviewed publications.

• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams and across institutional research centers.

• Familiarity with NIH grant mechanisms and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral training at a nationally recognized cancer research institution.

• Record of successful graduate student training and thesis mentorship.

• Established collaborative relationships within MCBS, COLSA, the Center of Integrated Biomedical and Bioengineering Research, and the broader UNH research community.

Compensation Pay Range:

$20-40k

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. 

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mounta