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.