Head, Department of Microbiology and Immunology AND Director, University of Minnesota Institute on Infectious Diseases

Head, Department of Microbiology and Immunology AND Director, University of Minnesota Institute on Infectious Diseases

The University of Minnesota (UMN) Medical School seeks an innovative, driven leader to head its Department of Microbiology and Immunology (DMI) and direct the newly-launched University of Minnesota Institute on Infectious Diseases (UMIID).

The UMN DMI is a highly-ranked robust basic science department that was recently recognized by the American Society of Microbiology for its centennial. It is the tenure home for 20 faculty members doing innovative research on microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and immune responses, and the intersection of the two. The department supports an all-University teaching mission that includes an undergraduate BS in Microbiology, foundational courses for the Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology Graduate Program and a major commitment to undergraduate medical education.

UMIID is a multi-departmental research institute that will use an multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to address diseases of pandemic or epidemic potential. It will bring together faculty members doing basic, translational, clinical, or population-based research on zoonotic viral infections, antibiotic resistance, microbial immunology, HIV medicine, or molecular surveillance of emerging pathogens. UMIID will be located in the Microbiology Research Facility.
The successful candidate must have the skills and vision to lead DMI and UMIID in a way that leverages the common interests of both entities while optimizing their unique missions.

The DMI Head responsibilities will be:

• Support and promote the teaching and research mission of faculty members within the department.
• Maintain the current research diversity within the department in conjunction with recruitment of new faculty colleagues and introduction of innovative technologies to sustain recognition of the department on national and international stages.
• Create an equitable and inclusive work environment for all DMI employees.
• Provide administrative support to DMI faculty members, including mentoring support to ensure that tenure-track faculty members achieve tenure and tenured faculty members remain productive, administering the DMI budget, and administering space within the Microbiology Research Facility (MRF) building and other locations used by DMI faculty.

The UMIID Director responsibilities will be:

• Establish a core group of existing UMN faculty members and recruit new faculty members to carry out the UMIID mission. Core UMIID members may or may not have tenure homes in DMI.
• Assign research laboratory space in the Microbiology Research Facility to a core group of UMIID investigators.
• Create an environment in the Microbiology Research Facility that fosters collegiality and collaboration between DMI faculty and UMIID investigators.
• Foster interactions between UMIID and other researchers at UMN.
• Establish UMIID's international, national, and local identity as a frontrunner in infectious disease research.
• Garner internal and external resources for UMIID, including working with the University Foundation to develop philanthropic support for UMIID.
• Provide administrative support to UMIID, including administering the UMIID budget.
• Promote UMIID as a resource for infectious disease information, research collaboration, and education during a pandemic.
• Engage with industry partners to create scientific collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Medical degree (MD) or PhD degree in a relevant discipline.
• Eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Outstanding scholarship in microbiology and infectious disease
• Demonstrated record in faculty, trainee, and student mentorship and teaching.
• Demonstrated record of leadership and achievement in academic medicine as evidenced by:
  • Excellent track-record of NIH and federal funding.
  • Experience in leading significant single or multi-site research programs.
  • Success in recruiting exceptional clinical and/or bench scientists.

Ideal Candidate Attributes and Experience

• Strong visionary, inspirational leader who can develop and communicate a long-term vision for the advancement of DMI and UMIID, and is equally skilled at developing and operating a detailed plan to achieve that vision.
• Highly approachable and compassionate; a record of promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, teamwork, and respect; professional and personal demeanor characterized by integrity, graciousness, sincerity, and a passion for the organization's mission and objectives.
• Exceptionally team-oriented; skilled at working well and partnering with faculty and other leaders across a large, complex organization and community.
• Highly adept and at ease managing the day-to-day operational details with the ability to be decisive, to conceptualize and analyze complex business opportunities, and oversee multiple projects.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, retaining, and mentoring a diverse and highly skilled cadre of faculty.
• Demonstrated track record of growing research platforms and contributing towards high-impact publications, grant awards, and meaningful science.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working with external leaders and philanthropic partners.
• Comfortable working with state and federal legislators to advance the goals of DMI and UMIID.
• The ability to effectively represent DMI, UMIID, the Medical School, and University of Minnesota in regional, national and international communities.
• Commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and teaching

In order to be considered for this position your application must include: 1. A statement of interest, 2. CV, and 3. A diversity statement or a values statement on the importance of DEI in leadership positions.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a community of scholars committed to discovering and disseminating knowledge about the microbial world. Our faculty's interests and expertise encompass some of the most exciting areas of contemporary microbiology and immunology, ranging from the physiology and development of microorganisms, the molecular pathogenesis of infections, and fundamental aspects of immunity.

The University of Minnesota Institute on Infectious Diseases (UMIID) brings together University of Minnesota expertise across disciplines to discover better responses to pandemics, life threatening infections and antimicrobial resistance through basic, translational, and clinical research.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

In order to be considered for this position your application must include: 1. A statement of interest, 2. CV, and 3. A diversity statement or a values statement on the importance of DEI in leadership positions.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.