PhD, MD or MD/PhD

Experience in basic research with emphases related to head and neck cancers.

N/A

The University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, in conjunction with the Markey Cancer Center, are jointly seeking an exceptional candidate for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor to actively contribute to the basic and translational research mission in our head and neck cancer program. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree and will be expected to bring and maintain a vigorous, independent, extramurally funded research program, preferably from the NCI, as well as participate actively in collaborative investigations and education programs. Examples of preferred basic research emphases related to head and neck cancers include: HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers; signaling pathways contributing to growth, progression or metastasis; mechanisms of tumor resistance; tumor metabolism; cancer microenvironment; cancer genomics; and, epigenetic regulation. In addition, there will be opportunities to work with medical students and otolaryngology residents who have research requirements and dedicated block time for research, and as a faculty member in the department, the successful candidate will participate in all departmental activities. Competitive start-up funds and faculty salary will be provided, commensurate with level of experience. In addition, wet laboratory space will be provided in the new, open-format, Healthy Kentucky Research Building (HKRB), which houses the majority of cancer basic researchers and is in close proximity to state-of-the-art research cores.

Kentucky has among the highest incidence of head and neck and HPV-associated cancers in the country. HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer patients form a large portion of our head and neck oncology work. As a major referral center the UK Medical Center sees over 90% of all head and neck cancer cases within our large referral base of Eastern and Central Kentucky, Western W. Virginia, Southeast Ohio and Northeastern Tennessee. We have a team of four head and neck surgeons who participate in the clinical and research activities of the Markey Cancer Center. They are eager to collaborate with basic scientists to provide a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology as well as the treatment and outcomes of these complicated patients.

As the only NCI-designated cancer center in Kentucky, the MCC provides a broad range of state-of-the-art core facilities and modern laboratory space design to facilitate a collaborative research environment. Situated on a campus with all six health profession colleges, the cancer center is located within a vibrant and expanding basic and clinical research community with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across its research programs. In addition, the successful candidate will join MCC research members specializing in head and neck cancer that, include: a team of cancer prevention researchers with an interest in the molecular and genetic epidemiology of head and neck cancers; clinician-researchers with an interest in head and neck cancer prevention and survivorship; and the Kentucky Cancer Registry team that can provide real-time head and neck cancer information and a virtual tissue repository that can retrieve cancer tissues from across the state for molecular analysis.

Founded in 1865 as a land-grant institution adjacent to downtown Lexington, the University of Kentucky is nestled in the scenic heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Recently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US, Lexington is an ideal location to experience the work-life balance that the University strives to provide to its employees.

Applications should include a curriculum vita, as well as a cover letter with description of cancer research interests, a brief summary of accomplishments, and a discussion of future research plans. Applicants should provide names and addresses of at least three professional references, who will be contacted for invited applicants.

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.