Prion Pathobiologist Faculty Position
Description
The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University is seeking a scientist at the Assistant or Associate Professor level (tenure-track) with experience in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases) to develop a new research program and contribute to ongoing studies of chronic wasting disease. The ideal candidate will have expertise in methods in investigative pathology, prion biology, and animal models of prion disease; a proven ability to obtain extramural funding and collaborate in ongoing studies; and teaching experience. Applicants must have a DVM, MD and/or PhD or equivalent degree and at least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience. The position includes research and teaching responsibilities.
Environment Overview
The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology is home to vibrant undergraduate and graduate education programs as well as some of the finest biomedical research centers in the nation. Found within the MIP Department is the Program of Research and Scholarly Excellence in Infectious Diseases. This program encompasses several world-class research groups that concentrate on diseases caused by mycobacteria, arthropod-borne viruses, retroviruses, prions, and parasites. The recently established Infectious Disease Supercluster at Colorado State University is a multidisciplinary alliance whose goal is to facilitate and expedite transition of research innovations to the global marketplace. The Department is also home to one of the Regional Centers of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, which are sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Members of the department have established close interactions with local federal laboratories, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Arthropod-borne Animal Disease Research Laboratory, and the USDA – Center for Animal Epidemiology and Health. A number of MIP faculty are associated with the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in the investigation of diseases of livestock, wildlife, and companion animals.
The Prion Research Program was initiated over 9 years ago and involves extensive interactions and collaborations between the Department, the affiliated Colorado State Diagnostic Laboratory, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the National Park Service and local branches of the USDA. The Program is focused on investigations involving the transmission of prion agents, the mechanisms of prion replication and pathogenesis, and diagnostic and vaccine development. The program and its collaborators are uniquely situated in an area endemic for chronic wasting disease, the only known wildlife prion disease, and leverages this proximity to collaborate and obtain valuable biological and environmental samples with which to conduct research. Opportunities to collaborate with members of The Prion Research Program on chronic wasting disease and other prion disease research are available and encouraged.
University Description
As a land-grant institution, Colorado State University offers a broad range of instructional programs in the biological, biomedical, veterinary and agricultural sciences. Enrollment totals over 25,000 full-time students, including 4,500 graduate and professional students. The university is located 60 miles north of Denver in Fort Collins, a community of 125,000 situated along the beautiful front range of the Rocky Mountains.
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Applications
Please submit electronically a letter expressing interest and qualifications for the position including curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests and arrange to have three reference letters sent directly, preferably electronically, to:
Prion Pathobiologist Search Committee
c/o Ms. Andrea Guillory (Andrea.Guillory@colostate.edu)
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO 80523-1619 USA.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority will be given to applications received by October 16, 2009.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.