Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience
University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Columbia

 

Invitation for Applications
The Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience (PPN) at the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine in Columbia, SC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow as part of the inaugural cohort of the University’s new Bridge to Faculty program. We invite applications from outstanding scholars working to advance and expand the boundaries of neuroscience-based research.  Applicants should have completed a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a biomedical science related field by the beginning date of employment.  Scholars will join a highly successful, collegial, and collaborative neuroscience-focused department at a Carnegie R1 research university that has achieved national prominence in research, education, and community engagement.   The position is defined broadly within the neuroscience discipline and welcomes applicants from all areas of specialization. The Department is committed to building and supporting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community of scholars and students and shares the University’s goals regarding faculty diversity and excellence. The selection committee welcomes applications from candidates who contribute to increasing diversity in their fields, as historically underrepresented persons in higher education, and/or by pursing scholarship that contributes to understanding issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, past or present. 

USC Bridge to Faculty Program Overview
Designed to attract, support, and retain scholars from groups historically underrepresented in their departments or fields, the “Bridge to Faculty” program is the University of South Carolina’s newest and most promising initiative. Manifesting the University’s commitment to “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and thrive,” the program seeks to recruit early-career scholars who, if successful during the post-doctoral period, will have the opportunity to transition to a tenure track faculty position at USC starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Bridge to Faculty Program enables Scholars to deepen their research expertise, expand their scholarly profiles, and undertake academic work that complements departmental research strengths in studying fundamental mechanisms underlying neurophysiological processes, behavior, or drug action. Scholars will contribute to and expand upon USC’s research prominence in the neural basis and treatment of neuropsychiatric, neurological, and stress-related disorders and strengthen the University’s research community through their diverse perspectives. The Bridge to Faculty scholar in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience will join eleven other scholars from across the university who will form a dynamic and supportive community of scholars.

Situated in USC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bridge to Faculty Scholars have a unique opportunity to receive:

• Professional development preparing the fellow for a full-time faculty position
• Training and development in research, pedagogy, and strategic engagement
• Additional mentorship from senior professors and University administrators
• Networking and connection-building with university administration
• Opportunities to engage and practice as an active member of the USC community

Expectations and Primary Duties
The Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to: 1) develop a robust and innovative program of research striving toward independence, 2) actively participate in the intellectual life of the department and contribute to the existing collaborative and collegial culture, 3) meet regularly with faculty mentors; 4) engage in scholarly activities; 5) develop and submit applications to secure extramural research funding  6) participate in professional development opportunities, 7) mentor students and train research staff,  and 8) develop collaborations within the department and across the college and institution. The scholar will have access to institutional and departmental resources specifically designed to support their readiness for a tenure-track position, including mentoring and guidance in establishing a research program and scholarly activities, writing grants and securing extramural funding, lab management and supervision, and teaching in the biomedical sciences.  Funding will be provided for conference travel to present research and enhance professional goals, and research funding and allocated space will be provided to assist Scholar in developing an independent research niche. Through support of a mentoring team and postdoctoral advisors, it is anticipated the postdoctoral scholar will develop independent research interests that enhance departmental programs targeting neurobiological disorders, and potential for contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, mentoring, and outreach activities. The scholar will be expected to develop teaching and mentoring skills through participation in our team-taught biomedical sciences courses for graduate and medical students and supervision of research for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students.  Successful applicants will be eligible for transition to a faculty position in the department at the conclusion of their postdoctoral training.

Qualifications and Application Process
Minimum requirements include a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a biomedical science related field from an accredited institution. Preferred candidates will have at least 6 months of postdoctoral experience by the beginning date of employment, plus evidence of potential for scholarly productivity, potential for success in extramural research funding, potential for excellence in graduate and medical education, research interests that enhance departmental programs targeting neurobiological disorders, and potential for contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The department welcomes applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color candidates and candidates from other underrepresented groups. We also welcome applications from candidates with demonstrated interest in DEIJ, such as mentoring underrepresented students.

Qualified candidates should submit the following:

• Evidence (unofficial transcripts) of completed PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a biomedical science related field from an accredited institution. Applicants must have PhD completed before June 1, 2023, but applicants with additional postdoctoral experience are preferred. If the candidate has not yet defended their dissertation, include a letter from the dissertation supervisor confirming that the PhD will be completed by June 1, 2023. 
• A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in doing postdoctoral work at USC and summarizing relevant personal and professional background and qualifications for the position. In addition, the cover letter should identify several faculty members in PPN who could act as their postdoctoral mentoring team (see http://ppn.med.sc.edu/).
• A curriculum vitae including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address, relevant academic history, publications, presentations and other scholarly works, and funding history. 
• Statement of research plans and professional goals (two-page limit). 
• Statement of teaching interests and experience (two-page limit). 
• Statement sharing how your experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion can help advance the University’s goal of “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus”. Varied socioeconomic and cultural experiences, diversity-related research, teaching goals emphasizing diversity, and first-generation college graduate status should be highlighted in the statement. Information on developing your diversity statement can be found at: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/education/basic_science_departments/pharmacology_physiology_and_neuroscience/join_our_team/index.php
• Names and contact information for four references.

Deadline and Application Instructions
Please submit application materials through https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/139591. Position is open until filled, but to ensure full consideration, the application materials outlined above need to be submitted before May 1, 2023.  Applications should include a cover letter summarizing qualifications and potential departmental postdoctoral mentors, a curriculum vitae and publication list, a statement of research plans and professional goals, a statement of teaching interests, a statement addressing your commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusive excellence (DEI), and contact information for four references.   If you have any questions about the application process or this position, please contact marlene.wilson@uscmed.sc.edu using “Bridge to Faculty Program” in the subject line.

Salary and Benefits
The salary is competitive with similar postdoctoral fellowships using federal (NIH) guidelines, and the position includes a generous benefits package including access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. Each award is 12 months and may be renewable for one additional year upon demonstration of academic productivity. This position will begin Fall 2023.  The University is committed to addressing the needs of faculty members from different backgrounds and with varying personal circumstances. For USC resources visit: https://sc.edu/about/employment/ and https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/multicultural_student_affairs/index.php.

About the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience
Bridge to Faculty Scholars will join a highly successful, collegial, and collaborative neuroscience-focused department of ~18 faculty at a Carnegie R1 research university that has achieved national prominence in research, education, and community engagement. At USC, we strive to ensure an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees. The successful candidate is expected to complement departmental research strengths in studying fundamental mechanisms underlying neurophysiological processes, behavior, or drug action. Candidates expanding USC’s research prominence in the neural basis and treatment of neuropsychiatric, neurological, and stress-related disorders using preclinical models, genetic or translational approaches are encouraged to apply. For more information about the department including our research programs and potential faculty mentors please visit: http://ppn.med.sc.edu/. Scholars will have access to a core Instrument Resource Facility for imaging and molecular studies, a Functional Genomics Core, a department based Viral Vector Core facility, as well as support through the Research Center for Transforming Health at the USC School of Medicine and research opportunities with the Columbia VA Health Care System.  This position allows for opportunities to collaborate across a broad group of partners, including colleagues in different disciplines, campus research institutes, and community partners including the NIH-funded COBRE Center in Targeted Therapeutics, the NIH-funded COBRE in Dietary Supplements and Inflammation, the USC Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and the Cardiovascular Translational Research Center.

USC HR Diversity Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

USC EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.