The Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor for research.  This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Anesthesiology Pain Research Laboratory, which is dedicated to advancing the understanding of human pain mechanisms and developing novel therapies.

We are seeking an outstanding, motivated, and collaborative individual to join our faculty as an Assistant Professor specializing in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic pain medicine.  The successful candidate will conduct pioneering research aimed at advancing our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the transition from acute and chronic pain.  The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research environment, working alongside basic and clinical faculty with expertise in neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, physiology, human sample investigations, translational research, and drug development.  The Health Sciences Center at UNM offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community with cutting-edge resources and support.

Key Responsibilities:

Research:

• Conduct independent, high-impact research focused on pain mechanisms.
• Utilize techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, multi-electrode arrays, in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and other cutting-edge neurophysiological methods to investigate pain pathways and treatments.
• Explore novel biomarkers, cellular signaling, and neural network alterations in pain processing.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
•  Seek external funding through grants, collaborations, and other avenues to support the research program.

Teaching: mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate research assistants.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other faculty members in pain medicine, neuroscience, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and related disciplines to foster a multidisciplinary approach to pain research.
• Participate in clinical translational research projects that aim to bridge laboratory findings to clinical applications in pain management.
•  Build relationships with external stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and industry partners.

Service:

• Contribute to departmental and university committees, administrative duties, and community engagement.
• Participate in professional organizations and act as a reviewer for academic journals in the fields of neuroscience and pain medicine.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
•  Postdoctoral experience in electrophysiology, pain research, or a closely related area is required.
•  Strong track record of independent research.
•  Experience with a variety of techniques (e.g., in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recording methods, neural circuit mapping, etc.), and data analysis tools.
•  Knowledge of pain mechanisms, including nociception, chronic pain conditions (e.g., neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain), and emerging therapies.
•  Proven ability to secure extramural funding and/or a history of successful collaborations.
•  Strong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and student development.
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in computational modeling or data-driven approaches to electrophysiology.
• Knowledge of preclinical models of pain or human electrophysiology.
• Previous experience working in a collaborative or interdisciplinary research environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and statement of research. Please direct questions about the position to khigh@salud.unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.