Assistant Professor, Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee

Job Description:

Meharry Medical College's School of Graduate Studies is seeking applicants for faculty at the ranks of Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology.


The department's mission is to advance transformative research into the complex interactions among genomic and socio-environmental factors that contribute to disease, including cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. A key commitment is addressing health disparities, particularly those affecting populations of African ancestry, by focusing on comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to improve health outcomes and promote equity.


The successful candidate will conduct independent research that aligns with the department's mission and will be involved in recruiting, mentoring, and supervising high-caliber students and postdoctoral fellows in collaboration with department and school leadership. The ideal applicant should have a proven track record in scientific leadership and collaboration, and a commitment to advancing the department as a leading research unit within the School of Graduate Studies. This includes securing extramural grant funding, achieving academic excellence, producing high-impact publications, generating intellectual property, and promoting inclusivity to support the research, education, and service missions of Meharry Medical College.


The Assistant Professor is expected to establish a research program funded by external sources. Candidates should have at least two years of postdoctoral experience in fields related to the genetics, epidemiology, and genomics of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of intent, and contact information for two referees.



Daily Operations




Research Lab Leadership

• Work with trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows), to establish and maintain a research program consistent with the departmental, school, and college missions


• Report to the chair of the department and serve as a liaison between the lab and other units of the institution


• Ensure lab compliance with school and college rules and regulations

• Implement policies and procedures established by the department and college leadership


• Anticipates and secures needed resources for the success of the lab, including grant funding


• Manage the maintenance of lab records, including online resources

• In liaison with the leadership of the department and school, recruit and supervise students


• Ensure new members of the lab have an appropriate onboarding process and orientation

• Evaluate lab staff performance and review progress


• Review staff grievances within the lab in consultation with human resources as necessary


• Oversees mentoring of new members of the lab for optimal professional development

• Maintain an independent funded research lab


• Supervise PhD students


• Teach in SOGS courses as needed


• Participate in scholarly activities in the discipline, including mentorship of graduate students


• Other duties as assigned

• The letter of interest should include the scientific vision statement that provides a description of the applicant's current and future research interests, their strategic vision for the research group


• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct a vibrant, externally funded research program. Particular interest will be given to applicants with the following skills and experience:
  
  
  • A solid track record in genomic research, as evidenced by training, work experience, and peer- reviewed publications.
  
  
  • Proficiency in analyzing high-dimensional omics data, including but not limited to genome, epigenome, RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and proteome studies.
  
  
  • Strong computational skills with experience in various software and programming languages, demonstrating the ability to stay current with genomics resources and bioinformatics tools both on Linux environment and in the cloud.
  
  
  • Proficiency in analyzing large datasets within a cloud environment (e.g., 'All of Us', 'UK Biobank') is highly desirable.
  
  
  • Commitment to Meharry values, excellent interpersonal and communications skills, and be a strong team player.