Assistant/Associate Professor in Chemical Biology (Founding Faculty in MS Biomedical Sciences)

The MS in Biomedical Sciences Program (https://www.highpoint.edu/biomedical-science/) within the Congdon School of Health Sciences at High Point University invites applications for a 12-month faculty position (non-tenure track) specialized in disciplinary focus on Medicinal Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology, or Pharmacology available August 1, 2022 (earlier start date preferred) at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with education and experience.

Our Biomedical Science Program is a rigorous 11-month interdisciplinary curriculum with a student-focused approach in teaching clinical diagnostics and simulation, laboratory technical skill set development, enhancing scientific literacy and communication, and culminates in a 10-week capstone experience that is grounded in inquiry through a Clinical Experience, Research Development, or Internship track. Students will present their research at an internal Biomedical Sciences symposium.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and contribute to graduate level courses entitled:

1.) Medicinal Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry in Biological Concepts)- The goal of this foundational course is to bridge the interdisciplinary nature of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. This lecture and laboratory combination will interface Organic Chemistry into Biochemistry and be taught through the lens point of your biomedical expertise (Ex. Nutrition and Metabolism, Protein Structure and Function, Enzymology, Toxicology, Molecular Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Antibiotic Resistance, Immunology, etc.).

This course will precede and scaffold information into a second course focused on applying chemical knowledge.  The viewpoint of the second course will depend on the instructor’s expertise, but examples are listed below.

2.) Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology, Drug Discovery, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, or Medicinal Pharmacology– The goal of this lecture-based course is to introduce students to the applied nature of chemistry and biochemistry that is directed towards human health and could be encountered in a clinical or research setting.

3) Statistics for Evidence Based Practice in the Health Sciences- This lecture will introduce biostatistical concepts/approaches and the skills necessary to interpret data for Evidence-Based Practice in the Health Sciences.

4) Additional Program teaching responsibilities may include the following courses: Techniques in Biomedical Sciences, Journal club, Healthcare Practice and Professional Development I (Ethics), Standardized Exam Prep (MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.), Research Design and Writing, Healthcare Regulations, Special Topics, or Capstone.

In addition to success in the classroom:

Faculty in biomedical sciences will serve as student research mentors for the capstone experience and academic and healthcare professions advisors. The candidate will be expected to develop a research program adaptable to successful 10-week projects for our master-leveled students and for other HPU undergraduate students (if the faculty member so chooses to mentor undergraduates). The research area and model system is open; however, our curriculum will have strong focus in cell culture, bacterial work, and human subjects, so applicants with expertise in these models are highly encouraged to apply. Startup funds will be provided as will laboratory and office space.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Doctoral degree with expertise in Biochemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry,                 Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

• Academic qualifications to teach Medicinal Chemistry/Medicinal Biochemistry, Applied Chemistry, and Biostatistics.

Experience and Training:

• Additional training after the doctoral degree is required - examples include postdoctoral research experience, clinical practice, STEM work force credentials, or knowledge and practice in industry.
• Academic teaching experience at the graduate level or within upper-level undergraduate courses is highly recommended.
• 2 years of teaching in an academic setting is preferred.
• Evidence of effective research mentoring with students is highly recommended.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITY:

Required:

• Skillset in biochemical, cellular, molecular, or analytical techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Contribute to the educational and research missions of the departments, school, and university.

Preferred:

• Ability to utilize and teach biomedical techniques involving Cell Culture or Bacterial work.
• Record of excellence in teaching and research, and a commitment to excellence in education and research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participation in didactic and laboratory teaching activities for BMS and other graduate programs in CSHS. Summer, Fall, and Spring course teaching would be determined in collaboration with the Department Chairs or the Director.
  • Collaborate with BMS and CSHS faculty in the design and delivery of curricula.
  • Serve as an instructor or co-instructor for Biochemistry/Medicinal Chemistry, Biostatistics, Applied Chemistry or other BMS courses.
  • Open to mentorship of student inquiry through capstone projects.
  • Background in advisement of students with preprofessional and graduate school goals.
  • Communicate teaching and research activities through frequent and effective communication with the Department Chairs and Directors.
  • Publish scientific findings in discipline-specific peer-reviewed journals and present at state, regional, national, or international meetings.
  • Interdisciplinary interactions between the Departments of Exercise Science, Physical therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Medical Sciences, and Athletic Training in areas of research, education, and service. 
  • Advance the service missions of the Department of Medical Sciences, Congdon School of Health Sciences, High Point University, and local community.
  • Act as a representative and advocate for the departments, school, and the university.
  • Actively participate in committees within the departments, school, and university in professional and governmental organizations.
  • Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Department Chairs or Directors.

At High Point University the faculty and staff are devoted to ensuring every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.  High Point University is a God, family, and country school.

High Point University does not sponsor H1-B Visas. High Point University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses.  The University considers a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core component of our mission and encourages all applicants to apply.

All applicants must submit the following AS ONE DOCUMENT:  A letter of interest addressing teaching and research qualifications, curriculum vitae with complete professional and academic history, an unofficial transcript of your highest degree awarded, and names and contact information of three professional references. For additional information please contact: Dr. Kristin Ackerman, Director of Biomedical Sciences in the Dept. of Medical Sciences, kackerma@highpoint.edu, Office: (336) 841-9509. Applications can be submitted through the following portal link: https://highpoint.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Highpoint-Faculty/job/High-Point-University/Assistant-or-Associate-Professor-of-Medicinal-Chemistry--Pharmacology--or-Toxicology_R0003997