Research Assistant Professor, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Craniofacial Molecular Biology

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry is located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. With a 130-year history, Virginia’s only dental school provides opportunities for selected, qualified individuals to study dentistry and oral health through a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) program, graduate specialty training programs and a dental hygiene program. The VCU School of Dentistry is one of a small number of dental schools in the country affiliated with an academic medical center, the only dental school in the Commonwealth, and the second oldest dental school in the U.S. It is one of five health sciences academic programs on the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus of VCU.

Chief Purpose of this position:

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry is seeking a full-time faculty position in the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology. The appointee will also be a member of the VCU Philips Institute for Oral Health Research. This position will be term faculty at the Research Assistant Professor level. This position will be responsible for therapeutic and translational cancer research on a number of pediatric solid tumors, working in the group of Dr. Anthony Faber.

Position Responsibilities:

Research [90%]: The major focus of this role is in research where it is estimated that 90% of the time will be spent. The appointed person will be expected to lead therapeutic and translational research on solid tumors and be proficient in animal experiments. While the candidate will not necessarily apply for independent funding, they will be expected to be an integral member of a team working in this area and therefore serve as a co-applicant on grants. The candidate will also be encouraged to apply for their own research funding.

Teaching [5%]: The appointed individual will be required to teach and train students and technicians within the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research. They will also potentially have to contribute to PhD and Master's programs in Oral Health Research. Therefore, the faculty member may expect to teach in an integrated curriculum system that includes baccalaureate, graduate, and professional education. Teaching across traditional departmental lines and in multidisciplinary teams is required. Faculty members are expected to foster transformative learning that is informed by interdisciplinary and translational research, scholarship, and creative expression.

Service [5%]: The faculty member will be expected to serve the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, the School of Dentistry, and Virginia Commonwealth University by serving on committees and task forces as requested.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in a biological discipline or related biomedical field
• At least five years of post-doctoral training
• Demonstrated understanding of research relevant to the Philips Institute as evidenced by first author publications in national peer-reviewed journals
• Experience mentoring PhD and/or Master's Students
• History of presentations at international meetings and/or workshops
• Must possess a well-developed scholarly portfolio with evidence of multi-disciplinary research
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills
• Must possess excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to and participate in humanistic environment of learning with the ability to adapt to change and embrace modern technology
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
• Demonstrate the ability, or acquire and develop such ability, to incorporate adult learning theory, evidence-based oral health care, innovation in student learning, and critical thinking

Please Note:

Three recent letters of reference or contact information for at least three references will also be required for consideration

Restricted: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Assistant Professor
Months: 12
Department: Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, VCU School of Dentistry

Salary: Commensurate, up to $105,000

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Todd Kitten
Contact Email: tkitten@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: