Working/Functional Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure System

Position Summary

The Department of Translational Neuroscience, in partnership with the Department of Public Health and the Center for Bioethics and Social Justice at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (CHM) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is seeking a dedicated and accomplished researcher for a tenure-track/tenured faculty position with a primary research focus on health disparities in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and Parkinson’s disease. Applicants will be considered for the faculty titles of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at unraveling the complex interplay between social, cultural, and biological factors that contribute to the unequal burden of neurodegenerative diseases within diverse populations. We are searching for a dedicated researcher and educator who is passionate about investigating health disparities in neurodegenerative diseases across diverse populations and developing strategies to address these disparities.

The successful candidate will base his/her/their research program in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at the MSU College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The headquarters for the College of Human Medicine is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Rapids campus was established in 2010 to expand medical education and research opportunities in western Michigan. The Department of Translational Neuroscience faculty are actively contributing to NIH-funded initiatives to reduce health disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, through the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (MADRC; P30AG053760) and the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD; P30AG059300). We have spent several years establishing community partnerships in West Michigan to enhance knowledge about risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, developed a directory of research volunteers among the African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino communities and are researching novel blood biomarkers to facilitate early diagnosis. We also established a Community Partners Board to provide feedback on the development of ethnically/racially sensitive education materials, to consult on strategies to achieve equity and inclusion in research, and to inform us of community needs and priorities. These efforts and resources, built in collaboration across Translational Neuroscience and West Michigan community members, serve as the foundational components for a dedicated research program focused on the intersection of contextual factors and biological vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases.

For more information regarding MSU College of Human Medicine, the Department of Translational Neuroscience, and the city of Grand Rapids, please go here

Position Responsibilities and Expectations:

1. Research
   1. Lead and conduct impactful community engaged research on health disparities in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms contributing to differential disease incidence, progression, and outcomes among diverse demographic and socioeconomic groups.
   2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement studies that explore the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and social determinants of cognitive decline and neurological function.
   3. Utilize advanced research methods, such as neuropsychological assessment techniques, biomarker assessments, epidemiological, genetic, and/or neuroimaging techniques, to unravel the complex interplay between genetics, environmental factors, and social determinants of health on cognitive functioning and brain changes within diverse populations.
   4. Analyze and interpret research data, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and community outreach.
   5. Collaborate with community stakeholders to gather insights and co-create research strategies.
   6. Understand the importance of community engaged research, ethical considerations, and the potential benefits and challenges.
2. Grant Acquisition
   1. Develop and submit competitive grant proposals to secure external funding from federal agencies, foundations, and other sources to support research initiatives focused on health disparities in neurodegenerative diseases.
   2. Collaborate with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary grant applications that address multifaceted aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias disparities.
3. Teaching and Mentorship
   1. Contribute to the education and training of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty members through mentorship, supervision, and participation in academic programs.
   2. Contribute to courses at the graduate and medical school levels that cover topics related to neurodegenerative diseases, health disparities, and related areas.
   3. Provide guidance and support to students and trainees interested in pursuing research in the field of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias disparities.
4. Service
   1. Actively engage in departmental and institutional committees, contributing to the academic and research community's growth and development.
   2. Collaborate with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias disparities and potential strategies for addressing them.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -health disparities in neurodegenerative

Minimum Requirements

1. A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as neuroscience, neuropsychology, epidemiology, public health, or a related discipline.
2. Established record of community engaged research excellence, including peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
3. Expertise in studying neurodegenerative diseases, health disparities, epidemiology, genetics, neurobiology, or related areas.
4. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively teach, mentor, and disseminate research findings to both scientific and lay audiences.

Desired Qualifications

1. Experience in securing research funding through grant applications.
2. Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams and foster a diverse and inclusive research and learning environment.
3. Prior teaching experience and evidence of successful mentorship.
4. Proficiency in applying quantitative research methods and analyzing large datasets.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to research of health disparities, including their causes, implications, and relevance to neurodegenerative diseases.

Required Application Materials

Application Materials:

1. Cover letter detailing research interests and mentoring philosophy.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and funding history.
3. Statement of commitment to and experience on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (1 page maximum).
4. Statement of research accomplishments and future research plans (3 page maximum).
5. Contact information for three professional references.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/26/2023

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions

Website

https://translationalscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.