The College of Science at the University of Notre Dame seeks a visionary leader to serve as the James C. Parsons and Carrie Ann Quinn Director of the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases (CRND). The Director will be appointed as a tenured professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, though the search committee can consider appointments in other departments. The Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases places patients and their families at the core of all their efforts. Members of the center focus on both basic and translational research and work with families affected by rare diseases to combine studies of patient data and tissue with fundamental biological research in order to better understand disease, identify molecular targets, and develop new diagnostics and treatments. In 2022, the College of Science established the rare disease patient advocacy initiative, sponsored by Horizon Therapeutics and Dyne Therapeutics. This program builds on a decade of rare disease outreach and education and a newly established minor in science and patient advocacy. A diverse community of Notre Dame researchers is supported by numerous Centers and Institutes including, the Warren Center for Drug Discovery and Development, Eck Institute for Global Health, the Harper Cancer Research Institute, the Keck Center for Transgene Research. Additional facilities to support research include the AAALAC-accredited Freimann Animal Facility, the Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, and cores in Structural Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics and Proteomics. Additional information can be found at Research.nd.edu.

Individuals engaged in basic and translational research in rare diseases are encouraged to apply.  A demonstrated record of administrative experience and collaborative, interdisciplinary research is strongly preferred. The successful candidate is expected to provide strategic leadership of the Center, maintain a vigorous extramurally-supported research program, contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and integrate the Center into the larger research and educational mission of the University. Experience in developing NIH Center, Program Projects or Training grants application is preferred. The Director will also play a major role in the hiring of junior tenure-track faculty whose research focuses on rare diseases.

Interested candidates may address confidential inquiries to Dr. Jason Rohr, Chair of Biological Sciences. At the time of formal application, a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of teaching interests and experience will be required by applying to Interfolio.com.  In addition, applicants are asked to prepare a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Center. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and those candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).

Background Check: Appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.

Originally published by Tammi Freehling at crnd.nd.edu on January 24, 2023.