Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky

PhD, MD or equivalent

Required related experience

N/A

The Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor as part of a major expansion in biomedical research. We seek an outstanding early-career investigator with the creativity and drive to build an innovative, independent research program within a highly collaborative and well-resourced environment. Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and demonstrate strong potential for developing a competitive, extramurally funded research enterprise. Competitive start-up support, modern laboratory space, and access to exceptional shared core facilities will be provided to enable rapid and sustained research program development.

This is a broad search, and we welcome applicants working in any area relevant to pharmacology, nutritional sciences, or closely related biomedical disciplines. Candidates whose research complements or expands existing departmental strengths in neurobiology and brain aging, metabolic and cardiovascular disease, cancer biology and pharmacology, cellular signaling, RNA biology, endogenous signaling pathways, animal physiology, or substance use disorder are especially encouraged, but outstanding applicants in other areas of contemporary biomedical research will receive full consideration. We are particularly interested in candidates pursuing interdisciplinary or translational research that bridges basic and clinical science and leverages emerging technologies, including advanced in vivo approaches, mass spectrometry–based methods, spatial transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and models, such as organoids, tissue cassettes, and hIPSCs. The department supports two vibrant graduate programs and fosters a collegial culture that values mentorship, collaboration, and scientific innovation.

The University of Kentucky offers a rich and rapidly growing scientific ecosystem, with an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a federally supported Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and a Clinical and Translational Science Award hub. The university is making sustained investments in biomedical research infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and shared core facilities. Departmental faculty include nationally recognized investigators, and the department is entering a period of significant growth, with multiple new faculty hires planned over the next several years. These investments create exceptional opportunities for new faculty to shape the future direction of the department and build high-impact research programs.

In addition to research, the successful candidate will contribute to teaching in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, mentor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and participate in service to the department, college, and university. The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, a vibrant and affordable city known for its high quality of life, strong arts and food scene, outdoor recreation, and proximity to major metropolitan areas.

Along with the application, applicants should include
1) a cover letter
2) curriculum vitae
3) brief description of research interests (Specific Request 1)
4) contact information for three references ((Specific Request 2)

Review of applications will begin Spring 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

N/A

PhD, MD or equivalent degree and required related experience

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.