Job Description

Position Information

Position/Rank
Assistant Professor in the Tenure Track
Department
00246 - Human Genetics
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
07/01/2027
Details

The Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah is continuing a multi-year recruiting initiative for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. We invite applications from creative and collaborative scientists who bring innovative questions, approaches, and technologies to genetics and genomics. We are particularly interested in researchers developing or applying cutting-edge and scalable approaches to uncover biological mechanisms and connect genetic variation to function and phenotype. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, technology development; functional genomics and variant effect research; animal, organoid and stem cell models of disease; single-cell and spatial genomics; mechanisms of complex disease; and emerging computational and AI-enabled approaches. We especially value candidates whose work bridges disciplines and complements or connects existing strengths across the department. Researchers pursuing bold and conceptually novel questions in any area of genetics, using human systems, model organisms, or other experimental systems, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Department of Human Genetics is a vibrant and growing research community. We value mentorship and are committed to fostering a collaborative and nurturing community of scientists. Demonstration of a commitment to these values will be important in the selection process.

Individuals must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. or equivalent degrees. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research with strong potential for securing and sustaining independent extramural funding. Our department and institution offer excellent facilities and resources. Successful candidates will receive a competitive salary, generous startup package, active faculty mentoring, and a research environment that fosters growth and excellence.

For full consideration, applications should be received by October 16th, 2026 Only electronic applications will be accepted, and applications are required to include

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Research Statement
Teaching Statement
Mentoring and Community Statement
Contact details for Recommendations

Applicants selected for in-person interviews will be invited to one of two symposia taking place on either Jan 11-12, 2027 or Jan 21-22, 2027. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

For questions, please contact Nels Elde – nelde@genetics.utah.edu

Quicklink for Posting | https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/208129

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.

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

Special instructions

Thank you for your interest in a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah. Please read the following instructions carefully before preparing your application.

Cover Letter (1-2 pages). Please include a cover letter that introduces yourself and your candidacy. Summarize your research accomplishments and the direction you intend to take your independent program. Explain what draws you to this department specifically, and what you would contribute to it. This letter should frame your application rather than duplicate the research statement.

Curriculum Vitae. Summarize the key features of your training and any related professional experience, including publications, teaching, mentoring, funding, outreach, presentations, and awards.

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

Teaching Statement (1 pages). Our department is committed to graduate and medical student education. Describe your commitment to education, your teaching philosophy, and the courses you might teach.

Mentoring and Community Statement (1 page). Our department seeks individuals with a strong commitment to and expertise in 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 in a research environment. This document should be uploaded as an applicant document labeled “Personal Statement”.

Contact details for Recommendations. Provide the names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses of three individuals who are familiar with your work and can evaluate your potential for success as an independent researcher. Referees will be contacted later in the process. This document should be uploaded as an applicant document labeled “List of References”.

Open Date
08/31/2026
Close Date
01/11/2027
Open Until Filled
Yes
Requisition Number
PRN04107F
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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