The Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) invites applications for a Bridges to the Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate in any area of biology, beginning August 16, 2021.

Bridge to the Faculty is a UIC postdoctoral program designed to recruit underrepresented scholars with the goal of transitioning them to tenure-track faculty members after two years (https://diversity.uic.edu/engagement/bridge-to-the-faculty/). This recruitment initiative aims to attract and retain promising scholars to UIC, as well as diversify our faculty to better serve the cultural wealth of our students, our community, and the nation. UIC is a comprehensive, urban, public, Research 1 university with state-of-the-art research facilities and a national leader among public higher education institutions in providing access to underrepresented students. We are among the nation’s top five most diverse campuses and are designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). See https://oae.uic.edu/resources/diversity-resources/ for more about Diversity at UIC.

The successful candidate will spend two years working in a lab in the Department of Biological Sciences that is closely aligned to their research interests, following a detailed mentoring plan. They are expected to develop a successful independent research program that is competitive for federal grants, and that will allow them to transition to a tenure track faculty position in the Department after two-years. The faculty position will include a competitive start-up package. Although there are no formal teaching duties, the fellow is expected to be involved in mentoring undergraduate research, as well as provide occasional guest lectures to an existing course.

Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field no earlier than August 16, 2017 and no later than August 16, 2021. Although prior postdoctoral experience is preferred, all eligible candidates will be evaluated.

Applicants should submit an online application and additional materials to https://jobs.uic.edu by January 8, 2021. Applications must include a cover letter and 1) a research plan, 2) statement about their past, present, and future contributions to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in their professional career, 3) a curriculum vitae, and 4) the names and contact information of at least three references. The research plan does not require a defined faculty sponsor but should include short- and long-term research interests so that a potential mentor can be identified. Questions about this position can be sent to Alexander Shingleton (ashingle@uic.edu) or Miquel Gonzalez-Meler (mmeler@uic.edu).

Final authorization of the position is subject to availability of funding.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899