Arizona State University

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Biodesign Institute

Professor (all ranks) Microbiome and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Location: Arizona State University – Tempe Campus

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU) and the School of Biological  and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center , and the Biodesign Center For Health Through Microbiomes invite applications for a full-time, benefits- eligible Professor (all ranks) in the area of Microbiome in Neurodegenerative diseases with a start date of August 2024. Research areas include microbiome in aging and diseases of cognitive and motor dysfunction. Other relevant areas include the microbiome and central nervous system (CNS) interactions. Candidates studying the microbiome and CNS neural injury/regeneration or neuropsychiatric disorders are encouraged to apply. The School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, one of the eight Fulton Schools, houses a vibrant multidisciplinary engineering research community (Learn more at https://research.engineering.asu.edu/ ).

The Biodesign Institute at ASU delivers the future of nature-inspired scientific innovation today for the betterment of human health, community safety, and global sustainability. Created on the premise that scientists can overcome complex societal issues by emulating and re-imagining the "design rules" and trial-and-error approach found in nature, the Institute's researchers are addressing an expansive array of global challenges by creating "bioinspired" solutions, including new vaccine discovery and delivery; early detection and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases; techniques for detecting and removing contaminants from air and water; and the application of nanotechnology for biomedicine and electronics. To advance its bioinspired research mission, the Biodesign Institute has established 17 different research centers and has more than 200 active research projects.

The Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes (HTM) contributes to the robust research activities of the Institute by applying microbe-based strategies to advance society's health and welfare by improving the environment and enhancing health outcomes. The Center's research spans from fundamental to applied science and leverages industry and foundation collaboration. HTM will establish an ecosystem of innovation in which fundamental knowledge is used to develop microbial-based health interventions and diagnostics. We investigate the fundamental mechanisms of the effect of microbes on human health.

Research into the microbiome, a crucial bridge between our diet and our health, will revolutionize medicine. The overarching goal of HTM is to manage the human microbiome to transform human health. We leverage industry ties to secure funding and commercialize the technology developed within the Center. This goal will be achieved by applying microbe-based strategies to advance society's health and welfare by improving the environment and enhancing health outcomes.

The ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center focuses on the pathophysiology, modeling, and innovative therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. This center has a $25M endowment from the Edson Foundation and also focuses on reducing the stress and burden of caregivers, and we have an additional mission to train the next generation of scientists. The Center already has strong representation in the areas of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, as well as normal aging. Growth areas will include non-Alzheimer's diseases of cognitive decline such as Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and others. This recruitment aims to find a researcher who will build a program that they will lead in the areas of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases with the potential of forming strong collaborations with existing and future faculty.

We seek applicants who will expand collaborations between the two Centers and the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering. SBHSE and Biodesign seek applicants who can contribute to our academic programs, promote transdisciplinary teaching and research, and help the university to achieve its aspirations, including enabling student success, transforming society, valuing entrepreneurship, and conducting use-inspired research. Faculty members in the Fulton Schools are expected to develop an internationally recognized and externally funded research program, adopt effective pedagogical practices in developing and delivering graduate and undergraduate courses, advise both undergraduate and graduate student research and projects, and undertake service activities.

This search is part of ASU's engagement with the Arizona's New Economy Initiative (NEI), a bold effort to ensure that Arizona leads the new economy that will rely on engineering, computing and technology to drive sustainable growth, resilience and opportunities for all. NEI investments in the Fulton Schools of Engineering will grow our world class faculty to accelerate research outcomes and to broaden student access to our programs; support Science and Technology Centers to foster the growth of new economy Industries; and expand experiential learning and workforce training opportunities.

Appointment will be at the Professor (all ranks) commensurate with the candidate's experience and accomplishments, beginning August 2024. Although the tenure home may be in any of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering is currently the most involved in the interest of this research.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. and/or MD/Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Neuroscience, Microbiology, Medicine, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field at the time of appointment.
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• A recognized strong research program with publications in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals commensurate with career stage. Evidence of a successful history of obtaining extramural funding to support a robust research portfolio commensurate with an open rank. Experience with and willingness to continue teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students while fostering an inclusive transdisciplinary work environment. Demonstrated ability to work, collaborate, and communicate effectively with diverse students, colleagues, community partners, and staff in a multicultural environment.

Desired qualifications:

• A strong interest or training in studies of the microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Expertise in microbial omics (metagenomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics) analyses and integration.
• Expertise in functional annotation, statistical analysis and regression, genetic variation analysis, statistical analysis, and modeling.
• Evidence of a successful history of obtaining extramural funding from highly competitive sources such as NIH, PCORI, CDC, NSF, similar federal mechanisms, and/or foundations (e.g., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation). Background, knowledge, and/or research in the area of science of microbiome and precision medicine relevant to the needs of Arizona's diverse populations.
• Experience in developing and maintaining community partnerships and inter-professional or team-based collaborations.
• Evidence of impact of research.
• Experience teaching graduate level courses and mentoring graduate students in research and publishing.
• Experience teaching online courses in a university setting.
• Demonstrated success and/or commitment to promoting student retention and/or graduation (this desired qualification depends on the recruitment level).
• Ability to engage in inter-institutional research initiatives and trans-disciplinary collaborative research that complements the expertise of existing faculty and will expand our overall research and instructional capabilities.

Application Instructions

Application deadline is November 4, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. To apply, visit https://hiring.engineering.asu.edu/ and select "apply now" next to the corresponding position. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement describing research interests (two pages maximum)
• Statement describing teaching interests and philosophy (two pages maximum)
• Contact information for three references

The ASU Charter states, "ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. " The Fulton Schools of Engineering are dedicated to cultivating excellence, delivering innovation that matters, encouraging bold thinking, fostering a community of learning and collaboration and building a foundation for all to be successful. Applicants are encouraged to address how their past, current and future activities align with the ASU Charter and Fulton Schools of Engineering values in their application materials.

For additional information regarding position specifics, please contact the search committee co-chairs, Professor Rosy Krajmalnik-Brown, via email at dr.rosy@asu.edu or Professor Jeffrey Kordower at jeffrey.kordower@asu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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