Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Cell and Gene Therapy - Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences

Job Posting Title:

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Cell and Gene Therapy, Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences

Job Description:

Overview:

KGI is seeking applications for a faculty position specializing in cell and gene therapy. The successful candidate will join the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences at KGI (Riggs) and will collaborate with other Riggs faculty on teaching, research, and curriculum development within current programs as well as new program development. Faculty have access to a strong network of contacts within the industry and have teaching loads that are conducive to success in research.
 

Candidates will be expected to have a strong commitment to innovative teaching, research, and service.  Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
 

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
 

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:

The position requires a Ph.D. in Cell and/or Molecular Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline. The candidate must have potential for excellence in research and teaching commensurate with the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor, substantiated by a publication record in high-impact journals relevant to cell and/or gene therapy and experience in obtaining extramural funding. Exposure to or working with the life science industry is desired. We welcome candidates with an interdisciplinary background.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Develop, teach, and maintain courses relevant to the institution’s curricular needs across multiple academic programs.
• Provide advising support for student research and industry-sponsored projects.
• Participate in annual summer academic programs.
• Develop and maintain an active research program in a relevant field.
• Be an in-house expert to assist in collaborative research with other faculty.
• Contribute regularly to service activities at KGI.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Expertise in molecular and cellular engineering with a focus on therapeutic applications. Research focus areas include but are not limited to gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas platforms), viral and non-viral gene delivery systems, cell therapies such as CAR-T cells and iPSCs, ex vivo engineering, synthetic biology for therapeutic development, and disease modeling.
• Research that integrates artificial intelligence or machine learning to advance discovery and therapeutic innovation is highly valued.
• Ability to collaborate with other faculty in both teaching and research.
• Ability to teach in person and online using active learning pedagogies and advise team-based projects.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and present complex issues to diverse individuals and groups.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer, online system, and web skills.
• Strong work ethic and team-based approach to working in a high-volume environment.
• Positive, welcoming personality with demonstrated customer service experience.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work comfortably, respectfully, and competently with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Available for occasional work on evenings and weekends, as event schedules may require.

Hours, Classification, and Status: 

This is a Faculty, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

Typical working hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; however, teaching schedules will vary based on course assignments and the operational needs of the department or Institute.

Salary range: $120,000 - $160,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Placement within the range is also contingent upon the academic rank of appointment, based on years of faculty experience, with the upper end of the range reserved for those appointed at the full professor rank.

KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain a good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.  Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.  Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages. 

Ability to travel locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus. 

To Apply:

A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing your professional experience and qualifications

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional achievements

• Contact information for three professional references, including name, title, relationship to the applicant, email address, and direct phone number

• A statement of teaching philosophy

• A statement of research philosophy

• Preliminary budgetary requirements for research start-up, if applicable

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.

KGI is a participating employer in E-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.