Research Assistant Professor

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Position Information

• Position/Rank: Research Assistant Professor
• Department: 00268 - Neurosurgery
• City: Salt Lake City, UT
• Track: Track Dependent on Qualifications

Details

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a research-track Assistant Professor to establish and lead an independent, NIH-funded research program focused on advanced neuroimaging and computational modeling in collaboration with Pediatric Neurosurgery and the Adult Cerebrovascular Division.

This faculty member will develop a translational imaging research program that integrates quantitative MRI, artificial intelligence, and longitudinal clinical data to improve surgical planning, outcome prediction, and disease characterization across pediatric and adult cerebrovascular populations.

The position will be fully research-focused (100% protected effort), with structured integration across clinical and imaging divisions.

Core Responsibilities

1. Independent Research Program Development
   
   • Establish and maintain an independent NIH-funded research program in neuroimaging and computational modeling.
   • Submit competitive R21, R01, and related NIH mechanisms within the first 1–2 years.
   • Develop scalable, hypothesis-driven research aligned with pediatric and adult cerebrovascular priorities.
2. Collaborative Grant Leadership
   
   • Co-develop and co-lead NIH proposals with neurosurgical faculty.Support departmental grant competitiveness through imaging expertise and quantitative modeling.
   • Participate in a structured departmental research core model.
3. Integration with UCAIR / Radiology
   
   • Collaborate with UCAIR and Neuroradiology to optimize translational imaging protocols.
   • Leverage shared infrastructure for imaging analysis and AI development.
   • Develop and collaborate with existing researchers within the Imaging & Neurosciences Center (INC) and further establish novel imaging protocols to inform future clinical initiatives and grant submissions.
   • Contribute to cross-departmental imaging innovation initiatives.
4. Research Infrastructure & Core Development
   
   • Develop standardized imaging and analysis pipelines usable by multiple neurosurgical investigators.
   • Serve as a departmental resource for imaging-based clinical studies.
   • Help build a durable research core supporting both pediatric and adult faculty.
5. Mentorship & Academic Contribution
   
   • Mentor trainees (PhD, postdoctoral, residents) in imaging and translational neuroscience.
   • Contribute to departmental research strategy and academic development.
   • Build interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.

A cover letter of interest, curriculum vitae, brief statement of research goals, and the names and addresses of 3 references should be directed to:

William T. Couldwell, M.D., Ph.D., Neurosurgery
C/O: Candice Devedzic, Admin. Director.
Department of Neurosurgery
175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Quicklink for posting: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200829

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Office and laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.
Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.
Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

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.

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Open Date

04/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Requisition Number

PRN04055F

Type

Faculty