Precision Diagnostics in Virology

Position Summary

As part of the University of Georgia’s Precision One Health Hiring Initiative, the Department of Population Health is seeking a tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor focused on Precision Diagnostics. The selected faculty member will utilize molecular tools to rapidly identify unique antigenic and pathogenic characteristics, biomarkers, and distinctive metabolic pathways of disease agents of human and animal populations. In addition, this position will develop bioinformatic pipelines that harness molecular data with individual and temporal metadata sets of samples to contribute to the understanding of disease etiology, ecology, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, and host and environmental factors that contribute to disease progression.

The successful candidate for the position will have the opportunity to participate with an interdisciplinary precision medicine program team working with OMICS experts, engineers, frontline practitioners, policymakers and communications experts to translate basic findings from the bench to the bedside or industry with the overall goal of improving the health and wellbeing of food and fiber animals, pets and their human families. The Precision Health and Medicine initiative at UGA seeks to hire 16 new faculty positions focus on the three pillars of infectious and non-infectious disease management including pathogenesis and diagnostics (this position), preventive measures and therapeutic interventions.

The College of Veterinary Medicine will utilize this initiative to demonstrate our commitment to diversifying our faculty and ensure that we maintain and grow the culture of equity and inclusivity in our college. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the university and college, and this hiring initiative will make use of the best practices to ensure an inclusive search process. TheDiversity and Inclusion Plan for the college identifies priority areas for our investments, and through the 2021-2022 academic year we will develop a Diversity Strategic Plan as part of a campus-wide effort.

Rank, salary, and terms of appointment will be dependent upon qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants are asked to submit the following: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae (2) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s research statement, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement (maximum 3 pages) (3) the name, titles, and contact information for three professional references. The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to enhancing the diversity, equity and inclusion of the College and the Veterinary Profession. Candidates are encouraged to identify their strengths/experiences in these areas as it relates to teaching, research and/or service in their cover letter.

All application materials must be received by October 31, 2022, to ensure full consideration and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Catherine Logue (Catherine.Logue@uga.edu), Search Committee Chair, Department of Population Health

The Department of Population Health also invites applications for another Precision Diagnostics position with an emphasis in Microbiology. Please see https://www.ugajobsearch.com for additional information about the position.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1369P

Working Title

Precision Diagnostics in Virology

Department

VetMed-Population Health

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment. We have an expectation that all employees will demonstrate a contribution to diversity and inclusion as embodied in our Principles of Community, http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

09/06/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in virology.

Additional Requirements

Tenure Track Assistant Professor
Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in virology, and a minimum of 2-years teaching experience.

Tenure Track Associate Professor
Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in virology and a minimum of 5-years in rank at the Assistant Professor level before the start date.

Tenure Track Full Professor
Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in virology and a minimum of 5-years in rank at the Associate Professor level before the start date.

Appointment, Promotion, & Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty can be found here: https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/UGA_Guidelines_for_APT_approved_2_2020.pdf

Discipline-specific criteria and procedures for promotion and tenure can be found at:
https://provost.uga.edu/resources/documents/Population_Health2015.pdf

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in virology and further knowledge in epidemiology or ecology of infectious disease, or a related field, and demonstrated expertise in molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with current extramural funding.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Applicants must have a strong record of research productivity as it pertains to extramural funding, publications, as well as teaching and outreach/ service that is commensurate with the stage of their professional career and aligned with the areas of research and scholarship associated with this position
• The ideal candidate will have knowledge and a proven track record analyzing viral diseases of food and fiber animals with a focus on diagnostics, epidemiology and ecology of infectious disease.
• A focus on interdisciplinary scholarship that addresses critical societal challenges
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as evidenced through scholarship, teaching and/or service endeavors
• Demonstrated interest/ evidence in translational research

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain an independent, extramurally funded research program, support the research and diagnostic efforts of the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, the Southern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and the Food Animal Health and Management Program. Teaching in the undergraduate, professional and graduate curriculums in their area(s) of expertise will also be required.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents