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Under the general direction of the Department Chair and the COLSA Dean, the Research Professor position will serve as a senior scholarly leader within MCBS. The position requires an exceptionally high level of specialized research skills, a proven record of independent scholarship, and substantial expertise in securing and managing large-scale external grants and contracts. Entrusted with a broad scope of operational and fiscal responsibility, the Research Professor functions as a principal investigator, managing substantial budgets, overseeing advanced laboratory or field environments, and directing the mentorship and professional development of graduate students and research staff.

Administratively, the position embeds within the MCBS department’s broader intellectual framework to elevate the university's research profile and focuses on project-driven scholarship and specialized graduate education. Under the UNH Curtailed Operations Policy, this position is not generally designated as essential staff required to physically report to campus during university curtailments. However, because research continuity and specific grant-funded responsibilities may vary, individuals must verify specific campus access permissions or remote-work expectations directly with their department chair or Dean.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research (80%)

• Lead and contribute to the establishment and operations of the Center for Antimicrobial Detection, Ecology, Characterization, and Innovation in New Hampshire (CADECI-NH).
• Investigate the ecological underpinnings of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on farms and at the wildland-farm interface.
• Drive innovation incubator activities focused on sensing and characterizing known and novel antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes.
• Generate data and develop tools to inform and guide best practices for antimicrobial stewardship on farms.
• Advance research with broad implications for human health, agricultural health, food chain security, aquaculture, and wildlife and environmental health.
• Build and maintain an intentional, collaborative network of subject matter experts spanning the biological, chemical, and environmental sciences.
• Lead and participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives that bridge biological, chemical, and environmental sciences.
• Translate foundational ecological knowledge into applied innovations and practical solutions for antimicrobial stewardship.
• Contribute to the adaptability of the center's research agenda to address emerging questions across biological, chemical, and environmental disciplines.

• Establish and maintain an independently funded research program aligned with the department's strategic priorities in biomedical sciences.
• Pursue and secure competitive federal and private research funding through grant applications and sponsored research initiatives.
• Lead and participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives within and beyond the department.
• Strengthen and expand research partnerships across the Department of Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences (MCBS), the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, and university research centers.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate researchers in laboratory and research settings.
• Enhance opportunities for student training and workforce development in the biomedical sciences.
• Publish original research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Contribute to the broader scientific community through presentations, collaborations, and professional engagement.
• Contribute to and support the department's research infrastructure and shared resources.
• Advance the department's mission to expand research excellence, increase external funding, and strengthen UNH's national reputation in biomedical research.

Teaching and Service (20%)

• Teach one course in MCBS/year in your area of expertise in coordination with the Chair.

• Serve on departmental, college, or university committees and participate in faculty meetings and strategic planning efforts.
• Support departmental seminar series, symposia, and research events.
• Review manuscripts for peer-reviewed scientific journals and serve as a reviewer for federal and private grant funding agencies.
• Participate in professional scientific societies and organizations.
• Contribute to graduate program activities such as thesis committees, qualifying exams, and student recruitment.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the department and broader scientific community.
• Engage in science outreach and STEM education activities to promote biomedical research to the broader public.
• Represent UNH and the department at regional and national scientific conferences and events.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• PhD (or advanced graduate degree such as MD, DVM, DO) and experience in Microbiology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience in antimicrobial resistance research, microbial ecology, or a related biomedical/environmental science field.
• Experience designing and conducting independent research projects.
• Demonstrated experience pursuing or securing external research funding (federal or private).
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques relevant to antimicrobial detection, characterization, or microbial ecology.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Experience mentoring or supervising graduate or undergraduate researchers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, microbial ecology, and environmental microbiology.
• Knowledge of federal and private research funding landscapes, including NIH, NSF, and USDA grant mechanisms.
• Knowledge of best practices for antimicrobial stewardship in agricultural and environmental settings.
• Knowledge of biosafety protocols and regulatory requirements for biomedical and environmental research.
• Strong scientific writing skills for grant applications, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports.
• Proficiency in molecular, microbiological, and/or analytical chemistry laboratory techniques.
• Skills in bioinformatics, genomics, or data science as applied to AMR research.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to lead multidisciplinary research initiatives.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across disciplines, departments, and institutions.
• Ability to mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences including scientists, policymakers, and the public.
• Ability to adapt research agenda to emerging scientific questions and funding opportunities.
• Ability to contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of securing competitive external research funding as a principal investigator (PI) or co-investigator (co-PI).
• Experience leading or contributing to large-scale, multidisciplinary or multi-institutional research centers or initiatives.
• Strong publication record in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals in relevant fields.
• Experience with One Health research approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health perspectives.
• Familiarity with agricultural systems, farm ecology, aquaculture, or wildlife biology.
• Experience with advanced molecular techniques such as metagenomics, whole genome sequencing, or high-throughput screening.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring diverse student populations and fostering an inclusive research environment.
• Established network of collaborators in the biological, chemical, and environmental sciences.
• Experience engaging with policymakers, industry partners, or community stakeholders on antimicrobial stewardship issues.

Compensation Pay Range:

$116,000

The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidate’s qualifications.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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