Job Description

Position Information

Position/Rank
Assistant or Associate Professor (Commensurate with experience)
Department
00870 - Ophthalmology-Research
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
TBD
Details

Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

The University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is launching a multi-year recruiting initiative targeting multiple tenure-track positions. We seek applications at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor who will work in the research side of the department. We seek candidates whose research programs complement and expand our department’s current strengths in basic and translational vision science, and researchers addressing exciting questions and approaches from any area of vision science are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to building a vibrant, collaborative, and nurturing community of scientists. Demonstration of commitment to these values is important in the selection process. The duties of the position include launching an independent research program, mentoring and educating the next generation of vision scientists, and investing in and building our research community.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a PhD and/or MD degree. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research with a strong potential for securing independent extramural funding and building a sustainable research program. Our department and institution offer excellent facilities and resources, and we are committed to fostering growth and excellence.

Essential Functions:

The applicant will be expected to build an independent extramurally funded research program, teach courses through our PhD programs, and mentor trainees.

Applicants should include the following items to Paula King through the University of Utah job site: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/205457

1) Cover Letter. Please include a cover letter that briefly describes your research accomplishments, future interests, and potential fit to the department.

2) CV. Summarize key features of your training and any related professional experience, including publications, teaching, mentoring, funding, outreach, presentations, and awards.

3) Statement of Research Accomplishments, Future Plans, and Funding Goals (maximum 3 pages). Describe your most significant prior contributions to science and your plans for an independent research program. The research statement should describe short-term and long-term goals and provide detailed plans for accomplishing some of those goals, including suitable external funding mechanisms.

4) Two-three representative scholarly papers.

5) Statement on mentorship and community building (~500 words). Our department seeks individuals with a strong commitment to promoting mentorship and community in academic and research settings. Describe any mentorship and community building efforts you have engaged in, as well as plans for fostering success and overcoming barriers faced by different people in a research environment.

6) Names & contact info for Letters of Recommendation from at least 3 people at or above your rank (these people should be outside the University of Utah). Provide the names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses of three individuals who are familiar with your research program and potential.

For questions, please contact Kristen Kwan – kmkwan@genetics.utah.edu

Values and Culture
The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Special Instructions for Candidates

Please put the statement of mentorship and community building under
Applicant document -Other.

Open Date
07/15/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Requisition Number
PRN04086F
Type
Faculty

About University of Utah Health

University of Utah Health is the Intermountain West’s only academic health care system, combining excellence in patient care, the latest in medical research, and teaching to provide leading-edge medicine in a caring and personal setting. The system provides care for Utahns and residents of five surrounding states in a referral area encompassing more than 10 percent of the continental United States.

Whether it’s for routine care or highly specialized treatment in orthopedics, stroke, ophthalmology, cancer, radiology, fertility, cardiology, genetic-related diseases, organ transplant, or many other areas of medicine, University of Utah Health offers the latest technology and advancements, including some services available nowhere else in the region.

As part of that system, University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics rely on more than 1,600 board-certified physicians who staff five University hospitals (University Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, University Orthopaedic Center, and the University Neuropsychiatric Institute); 12 community clinics; and several specialty centers including the John A. Moran Eye Center, Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women's Cancers, the Cardiovascular Center, the Clinical Neurosciences Center, and the Utah Diabetes Center.

University of Utah Health is consistently ranked among US News & World Report’s Best Hospitals, has ranked in the nation’s top 10 for quality health care among leading academic medical centers by Vizient Inc.,

Its academic partners at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Health are internationally regarded research and teaching institutions.

Industry

Healthcare & Social Services

Company Size

5,001-10,000 employees

Headquarters

Salt Lake City, Utah

Year Founded

1965

Website

utah.edu

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