Title: Assistant/Associate Professor

State Role Title: Assistant Professor

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University

Agency Website: vsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

 " Greater Happens here" 

Virginia State University (VSU), in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), invites applications from highly qualified and innovative independent cancer researchers for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This joint faculty appointment is part of a strategic initiative to expand VSU’s cancer research portfolio and to build a collaborative cohort of investigators that will strengthen externally funded cancer research and inter-institutional partnerships with VCU.

The successful candidate will hold a primary appointment at VSU and a secondary appointment at VCU in an appropriate school or department aligned with the individual’s research focus. Appointees will be eligible for research membership in the National Cancer Institute–designated Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at VCU. It is anticipated that up to three faculty members will be hired as part of a small cluster cohort charged with advancing cancer research capacity at VSU and fostering collaborative initiatives with VCU and Massey.

Applicants from all relevant areas of cancer research are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to health behavioral sciences, population sciences, and biological sciences. Initial responsibilities will emphasize the establishment of an independent, externally funded research program. Teaching and service responsibilities will be integrated gradually, and faculty who secure independent research funding will have teaching and other non-research duties limited to no more than 50 percent effort.

The successful candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in cancer research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and actively engage in the broader scientific community through interdisciplinary research collaborations.

The Assistant Professor in cancer research is expected to:

· Develop an independently funded cancer research program within five years, including the submission of a minimum of three external grant applications per year and the pursuit of competitive extramural funding.

· Publish peer-reviewed scholarship with an expectation of at least two publications per year beginning in the second year. By the third year, the faculty member is expected to serve as lead author on at least one publication annually, with additional publications potentially involving collaborative work with VSU and VCU faculty.

· Actively participate in the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, including collaboration with VSU and VCU investigators in cancer research, with an emphasis on cancer disparities research, and attendance and presentations at Massey-sponsored retreats, symposia, and other scientific meetings.

· Mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students at VSU by providing hands-on research experiences and supporting the development of research skills in the context of cancer research.

· Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses aligned with departmental and institutional needs.

· Participate in service activities appropriate to faculty rank and consistent with departmental, university, and professional expectations.

VSU seeks candidates whose research programs are well suited to computational, community-engaged, behavioral, or population-oriented approaches to cancer research. Projects that emphasize cancer disparities, health equity, data-driven methods, or community-based research are especially encouraged.

Priority will be given to research programs that:

· Focus on computational, statistical, behavioral, population, or community-engaged cancer research

· Can be conducted in non-laboratory-intensive environments

· Align with VSU’s current infrastructure and strategic priorities

The position is best suited for research programs that do not require animal facilities or cell culture‑based wet‑lab biomedical infrastructure. Applicants should ensure that their proposed research agenda is feasible within these parameters.

Minimum Qualifications

An earned Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a cancer-related basic, translational, clinical, or population science discipline (including but not limited to oncology, cancer biology, cancer prevention, health behavior, population health, or health disparities research), or a closely related field, by the time of appointment.

A track record of conducting cancer research with increasing independence and clear potential to secure external research funding.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in cancer research.

*Virginia State University requires that faculty be appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. VSU demonstrates compliance with its Faculty Credentialing Policy #2301 for all applicable education, experience, licensure and certification requirements in the selection and hiring of its faculty.

Additional Considerations

Postdoctoral research experience in a cancer-related field.

Prior success securing extramural research funding (e.g., NIH, NSF, other federal agencies, foundations, or private sources).

A strong publication record, including publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Experience teaching or mentoring at the undergraduate and/or graduate level with a commitment to student success.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You must include a current resume/c.v. and a letter of interest in your application. Three (3) letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be required before hire. (faculty only)

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.


HOW TO APPLY:

Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.

Contact Information

Name: Boatemaa Nyarko-Brentuo

Phone: 804-524-5083

Email: bnyarko-brentuo@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.