Susan And Dowd Ritter/Research To Prevent Blindness Endowed Chair In Ophthalmology - Associate Professor/ Professor

School/College School of Medicine Title Susan and Dowd Ritter/Research to Prevent Blindness Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology - Associate Professor/ Professor Assignment Category Full-Time Rank Associate Professor/Professor Tenure Status Open Tenure Payroll Status Faculty 12 Job Description

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UAB Callahan Eye, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is inviting applications for a highly successful research-intensive faculty member to join our team. This individual will hold the Susan and Dowd Ritter/Research to Prevent Blindness Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology.

Applications will be considered for the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and tenure-track or tenured, based on qualifications and experience. The Department welcomes applicants with an established track record and significant research accomplishments in areas of vision research that may complement and/or expand the research interests of the Department. Successful applicants are expected to run an internationally-recognized, externally-funded research program, and have demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to develop a strong multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

UAB possesses a thriving and well-funded vision science research environment, which includes an NIH P30 core grant. The interdisciplinary research team of the Department is currently composed of scientists, clinician scientists, biologists, endocrinologists, engineers, optometrists focusing their research activities towards understanding the pathogenesis of, and improving treatment for, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, myopia, and low vision among others.

The department boasts a range of strengths in basic, translational and clinical research including: cell replacement therapy, gene therapy, retinal imaging, retinal structure/function, stem cell biology, angiogenesis, cell signaling, biomechanics, improving the outcomes of eye care for diverse populations and proximity to one of the largest eye banks in the US. Excellent opportunity to obtain students from the graduate school programs at UAB.

In 2023, the Department was awarded more than $10 million in total research funding. More detailed information about the Department can be found at https://www.uab.edu/medicine/ophthalmology/.

Driven by an intensely collaborative and entrepreneurial character, UAB is one of the leading economic engines of the State, with a nearly $4 billion budget and a statewide economic impact exceeding $12.1 billion annually. UAB is Alabama's largest employer with nearly 28,000 employees, and one in every 20 jobs within the state of Alabama is either held directly by a UAB employee or is supported as a result of UAB's presence.

With nearly 1,700 faculty and almost 1,200 medical and graduate students, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine ranks 26th nationally in federal research funding and in the top 15 for all public institutions. Total research expenditures at UAB exceeded $715 million in 2022.

Birmingham is a friendly, diverse, and welcoming urban center nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains. The area has undergone a cultural revolution and community invigoration and is brimming with entertainment, arts, nightlife, outdoor recreation, sports, and world-class cuisine.

Birmingham has its own airport with daily direct connections to 26 airports and 23 cities. Located in the heart of the Southeast, Birmingham is easily accessible to Atlanta, Nashville, Chattanooga, New Orleans, Memphis and lovely beach communities along the gulf coast. With its picturesque surroundings, Birmingham has been recognized as an "All American City", one of the top ten American cities to live and work, and one of the top ten entrepreneurial and job growth hot spots in America. The combination of pleasant weather, geography, diverse culture, activities, and lifestyle make this city a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and pursue a career in academic research and medicine.

The Department has nearly 50 full- and part-time clinical and research faculty and is based in the freestanding Callahan Eye Hospital, part of the UAB Health System. UAB Callahan Eye Hospital has 16 operating rooms performing 15,000+ surgeries annually and operates an expanded network of more than 20 satellite clinics across Central Alabama responsible for 144,000+ ophthalmology clinic visits.

Callahan Eye is the only eye specialty hospital in Alabama and one of the few facilities in the world dedicated to advancements in ophthalmology. As such, the hospital is a key service of the UAB Health System and operates the teaching programs for the Department of Ophthalmology. Callahan Eye is also home to a 24-hour eye emergency department and is the only Level I Ocular Trauma Center in the region.

Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with training and experience. UAB provides a competitive and comprehensive suite of health and retirement benefits including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, life insurance and educational assistance for employees and families.

In alignment with UAB School of Medicine's mission to reflect the diversity of our community and meet the needs of our diverse population, candidates are required as part of the application process to provide a statement that is up to one page single-spaced describing their contributions to promote diversity and inclusion

Required Qualifications

The Department welcomes applicants with an established track record and significant research accomplishments in areas of vision research that may complement and/or expand the research interests of the Department. Successful applicants are expected to run an internationally-recognized, externally-funded research program, and have demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to develop a strong multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment

Preferred Qualifications

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F2354P Open Date 03/15/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

In alignment with the UAB School of Medicine's mission to reflect the diversity of our community and to meet the educational and clinical needs of our diverse population, contributions that promote diversity and inclusion are given recognition in the evaluation of the candidate's qualifications.

Please write a statement that is up to one page single-spaced describing your past, present, and future efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in education, research, and/or service. If you do not have past experience, please describe your awareness and related background about the importance of diversity.*

Examples of your efforts may include, but are not limited to, developing strategies for the educational or professional advancement of students in underrepresented groups; efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in education; and activities such as recruitment, retention, and mentoring or advising underrepresented students or new faculty.

• Diversity refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstances. Differences include race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, language, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and more.

EEO Statement

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Statement

The laws and regulations regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccination continue to evolve. Please be aware that UAB may determine that obtaining the COVID-19 or related vaccination is a requirement for this position, based on legal changes or otherwise. If that occurs, the successful candidate may be required to submit proof of vaccination or obtain an approved vaccination exemption as a condition of employment.

Pre-employment Background Check

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

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