The Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University is seeking a non-tenure track 9-month Research Assistant Professor for our Large Animal Translational Program. The program eagerly seeks highly motivated early-career stage individuals with a doctorate (Ph.D.) in animal molecular genetics / molecular biology or related areas to join our research team. The individual selected for this position will play a key role in groundbreaking research focusing on development of large animal genetic models and improving Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) efficiency. Strong publication record on generating genetically engineered large animal models using SCNT and CRISPR/Cas9 methodology is essential. Good written and verbal communication skills are also critical. The successful candidate will be well-organized, self-motivated scientist, who works well independently and as a team member and contribute conceptually to the overall research program of our multidisciplinary group. The successful candidate will be expected to lead publications and presentations on their work. He/she will also be expected to develop an independent research program supported by external funding.

Estimated start date is July 1, 2023

• Conducting/leading research on large animal model development for biomedical and agricultural applications using novel approaches in genetic engineering and animal cloning.
• Actively collaborating with scientists and students from other research labs at USU and other research institutions in Utah and across the country and abroad.
• The successful candidate will be expected to lead publications and presentations on their work. They will also be expected to identify additional external funding opportunities and help lead funding proposals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD. in Animal molecular genetics, molecular biology or related field
• Understanding and extensive hands-on experience in current precision genome editing techniques including design, optimization and verification of edits made with CRISPR-Cas9/HDR, Base Editors, Prime editor, nicking-based methods, large construct and integration methods.
• Experience with cell culture, DNA/RNA/Protein transfections, bacterial culture, recombinant DNA cloning techniques, Gibson Assembly, primer design and PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction and purification, Western blot and other molecular techniques.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and creative problem-solving skills.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD. in Animal molecular genetics, molecular biology or related field with 5+ years of hands-on expertise in gene editing/genetic engineering and 2+ years of Postdoctoral training.
• Current experience with cutting-edge gene/genome editing tools.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Contact information for three professional references

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 and is Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university. USU is one of only 146 research institutions in the U.S. classified as R1 “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, USU provides a high-quality education at an affordable price. With its main campus in Logan, the university serves approximately 27,500 students, including 24,255 undergraduates and 3,171 graduate students. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for 25 years.

USU’s statewide system features three residential campuses, 30 total campus locations, and 23 Extension education centers. The university employs 903 full-time faculty members, 124 executive administrators, and 1,649 full-time support staff. USU offers 115 undergraduate majors, as well as 91 master’s and 42 doctoral degrees. Learn more about USU.

A core characteristic of USU is engagement with communities and people in economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital. Through the practical application of knowledge, the University and its faculty engage and share expertise with the state, nation, and world, preserving the historical land-grant tradition of partnering with communities to address critical societal issues in the interest of the public good.

The USU main campus is located in beautiful Logan, Utah, a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region.

USU is sensitive to the needs of dual career couples and provides a Dual Career Assistance program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.

USU endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access in all aspects of employment to qualified persons with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Human Resource office at 435-797-0122 or submit a request at hr@usu.edu.

USU Land Acknowledgment

Please visit our website to learn about Utah State’s land acknowledgment of the eight tribes of Utah.

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov

*updated 11/2022