Call for applications for four academic joint positions for Assistant or Associate Professors in biomedical research and clinical studies in microbiology, immunology or vaccine design

The Faculty of Medicine (FM) and the Faculty of Biological Sciences (FBS) at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) invites interested candidates to apply for four tenure-track positions and joint appointments at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. The applicants must demonstrate successful, independent, and interdisciplinary research in the fields of 1) microbiology, 2) immunology and/or 3) vaccine design applied to human infectious diseases with translational projections related to health, using microorganisms, immune cells, and animal models as study platforms and/or 4) clinical studies in humans. In addition, they will be expected to demonstrate their ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students in these areas, including the training of new scientists.

The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile usually ranks top three in the QS University Ranking for Latin America. The FBS has 70 Professors at different stages of their academic careers and 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University is committed to the provision of equal opportunities, the construction of a more inclusive, diverse, and fraternal community, and the promotion and development of the careers of all academic members.

The University and the FBS and FM are committed to the values of diversity regarding the origin, gender, and ethnicity to build a more diverse and inclusive community. In this context, women applications are especially encouraged. 

RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED TO THE ACADEMIC POSITIONS:

  1. To lead and develop independent and internationally recognized research in the areas of this call.

It is expected that for the two joint positions with primary affiliation to the FBS areas such as the following are included:

Microbial pathogenesis, host-microbe interaction, cellular and molecular immunology in classic and/or emerging pathogens, using as study models, among others, immune cells, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, with the results having translational projections over human health.

Immunology and vaccine design against classic and/or emerging infectious diseases of viral, bacterial or parasite origin, or scientific research on the cellular and immunological bases of new immunization technologies and novel routes of vaccine administration.

It is expected that for the two joint positions with primary affiliation to the FM areas such as the following are included:

Translational research (PhD or MD/PhD) in the field of immunology, biomedical microbiology and classic and/or emerging infectious diseases of viral, bacterial or parasite origin, using “omics” tools and with focus on biomedical microbiology, immune system and/or microbiome.

Clinical studies that involve the design, execution, and analysis of clinical studies in the field of vaccines, immunomodulatory drugs, antimicrobial therapies, immunotherapies or others related fields, leading to the generation of new knowledge with projections over human health. For this position, a Master of PhD degree in Epidemiology and/or Methodology in Clinical Research is required, with previous demonstratable postdoctoral training in the development and lead of clinical trials, ethics in research and good clinical practices.  

Important note: Applicants should indicate which Faculty should be considered as the primary affiliation. Except for the area of clinical research applicants for the other areas should be selected in one common selection process.

  1. To establish collaborations with researchers in the FBS and FM, or other academic units within the University aiming to develop interdisciplinary research.
  2. To teach undergraduate and graduate students through leading lectures or laboratory courses, collaborating in course design, and acting as a student advisor in research courses and theses. Undergraduate teaching will be focused on the initial levels of training for undergraduate students at the FBS and FM or from other programs at the University. Enrolling in the teaching certificate from the Centro de Desarrollo Docenteis mandatory for all new Faculty.
  3. To train professionals, scientists and clinicians by advising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate research students.
  4. To obtain external research funding.
  5. To participate in academic and administrative activities within the University.
  6. To develop outreach activities with an impact on society and the general public.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Hold a PhD degree and a postdoctoral experience is highly recommended. 
  2. Ability to carry out independent research and to obtain funding for research. Have scientific publications.
  3. Demonstrate capacity to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  4. Applicants should include a letter of intention making explicit the preference of primary affiliation.
  5. Demonstrated proficiency in English. Applicants do not need to speak Spanish at the moment of the application but should be able to teach in Spanish in the short term (two years).

SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Trajectory, leadership, and quality of scientific contributions.
  • Experience in the proposed research area and ability to generate interdisciplinary research between the FSB and the FM.
  • Three recommendation letters.
  • Potential for academic progress and integration with the FSB and the FM.
  • Teaching experience.
  • In identical conditions, preference will be given to women scientists or applicants from underrepresented groups.

Application:

  1. Fill the application form available here 
  2. Have an academic profile in the Web of Science or Google Scholar
  3. Request three confidential letters of recommendation that should be sent directly to secretaria.academica@bio.puc.cl
  4. Copy of the PhD degree.

AVAILABILITY: March 2024

APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

All information must be submitted to the Academic Secretary, Faculty of Biological Sciences (secretaria.academica@bio.puc.cl), and the Faculty of Medicine (directorescuelamedicina@uc.cl; mvinagrec@uc.cl)

Deadline: June 30, 17:00 hrs

For any questions please contact: the Academic Secretary, Faculty of Biological Sciences (secretaria.academica@bio.puc.cl), and the Faculty of Medicine (directorescuelamedicina@uc.cl; mvinagrec@uc.cl)

Note for Foreigners applicants: Foreigner applicants not living in Chile will require a valid VISA in case of acceptance. This VISA should be obtained in the corresponding Consulate in each foreign country, and this will be required to be incorporated as academic staff.  

Spanish version / Versión en español