Description

The Department of Biology at West Virginia University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment in the area of neuroscience at the Assistant Professor rank. The preferred start date is August 2025.

The Department of Biology, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, offers a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, which has grown to approximately 135 majors in just five years. The Department of Biology also offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Biology: Pre-medical and maintains approximately 600 majors annually. We offer areas of emphasis in Human Health, Global Health, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Ecology/Ecosystems & Global Change, and Integrative Biology. The Department of Biology has over 40 graduate students in M.S. and Ph.D. programs with a strong track record of students receiving prestigious Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation fellowships. The Department of Biology is home to a state-of-the-art shared imaging facility, spatial transcriptomics tools, and the WVU Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility. Across the university there are over 40 basic and clinical neuroscience labs within the centers for neuroscience and the eye institute, which foster interdisciplinary collaborative research and funding opportunities.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will expand the Department’s existing neuroscience research, which includes behavioral genetics, neurodevelopment, molecular genetics, and circuit structure and function including connectomics.

Teaching responsibilities will normally include one lecture course per semester and one course per semester equivalent associated with undergraduate and graduate research training programs. The successful candidate is expected to teach classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels that complement the Department of Biology’s current neuroscience and molecular offerings. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have: 1) a PhD or equivalent degree in biology, neuroscience, or a related field; Areas of neuroscience such as genetics, behavior, evolution, systems-level, and cellular focused research will be considered that use invertebrates or non-mammalian vertebrates. Researchers using big data approaches, cutting-edge quantitative tools and whose research emphasizes sensory or sensory-motor integration and/or neural plasticity are of high interest. 2) a strong record of postdoctoral scholarly publications; 3) demonstrated ability to develop an externally funded, independent research program; 4) openness to collaborative research; 5) strong potential for outstanding contribution to the Department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching and research missions; 6) ability to work across multiple levels of biological organization; 7) excellent written and oral communication skills.

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter addressed to the Department of Biology Neuroscience Search Committee, (2) a curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications and relevant teaching experience, (3) a research plan for the first five years, (4) a teaching and mentoring philosophy statement, and (5) a list of at least three references with complete contact information. Review of applications will begin October 14th and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information please contact (Eric Horstick, [email protected]).

WVU is a comprehensive land grant university and WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity”). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees) and commits to assist in partner employment.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.