Assistant Professor of the Clinical and Translational Science Center

Assistant Professor of the Clinical and Translational Science Center

Posting Numberreq36819 Employment TypeFaculty Faculty TypeOpen Rank Hiring DepartmentResearch Initiatives (731E) Academic LocationSchool of Medicine Benefits EligibleThe University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information. Position Summary

The University of New Mexico''s Clinical and Translational Science Center (SW CACTI) seeks a faculty member to join the Mentored Career Development (K12) Scholar Program at the Assistant Professor level on either a tenure- or flex-track beginning in 2026. A broad-based talent search is underway: Individuals engaged in all types of clinical and translational research relevant to the School of Medicine Departments (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery), The Cancer Center, College of Pharmacy and College of Population Health are encouraged to apply. The successful Scholar candidate will have 75% of their effort committed to their research and 25% committed to other duties. Candidates with M.D., Pharm D, Ph.D., or equivalent degrees, who have motivation and interest to become independently funded in clinical and translational research, are encouraged to apply.

The goal of the K12 Scholar Program is to enhance the career development and training of early career faculty in clinical and translational research, emphasizing multidisciplinary, team-based approaches with the overarching goal of promoting clinical and translational investigation that will improve health and prevent disease. Candidates will be expected to aggressively pursue extramural funding while in the program. The Program will train and foster the career development of early career faculty to become the next generation of researchers who will perform clinical and translational scientific investigation in multidisciplinary, collaborative research settings.

The Scholar will be known as a SW CACTI K12 Clinical and Translational Science Center Scholar. The program will include an educational component tailored to the individual scholar in order to strengthen competencies in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical and translational research. This opportunity will use the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Program Award (K12) mechanism. Awards will be made for up to five years. The earliest anticipated start date is late Summer 2026.

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center aims to advance health sciences in the most important priority health issues of our New Mexico communities. The successful candidate will be able to become a faculty member in the College of Pharmacy, College of Population Health Sciences, Cancer Center, or School of Medicine. This position is subject to criminal records screening in accordance with New Mexico law.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (per NIH Guidelines):

• The position is open to health professionals with degrees that include M.D., M.D./Ph.D., Pharm D, PhD, or equivalent.
• Applicants must have the ability to obtain the appropriate licensure in the State of New Mexico, if appropriate.
• Candidates for this Scholar Program must be an existing or prospective early career faculty member, with a terminal degree in their chosen field.
• A minimum of 2 years of post-terminal degree research experience (i.e. post-doc, fellowship, etc.) is required.
• Applicants may not simultaneously submit or have pending an application for any other PHS mentored career development award (e.g., K07, K08, K22, K23) that duplicates any of the provisions of the K component. Former or current PDs/PIs on any NIH research project grant (this does not include NIH Small Grants (R03), Exploratory/ Developmental (R21) or SBIR, STTR (R43, R44 grants)) or equivalent non-PHS peer reviewed research grants that are over $100,000 direct costs per year, or project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants (P50) are NOT eligible to participate as scholars.
• Must be eligible to work in the US

Preferred Qualifications/Selection criteria:

• Licensed to practice in appropriate field
• Quality, appropriateness and amount of previous training, experience and education
• Quality, clarity, significance and innovation of the Scientific Plan
• Number and Quality of authored publications
• Likelihood of receiving external funding in 3 years
• Commitment to a career in clinical translational research
• Mentoring experience and commitment
• A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university''s mission to serve local and global communities
• Experience in teaching learners

Application Instructions

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.

1. Please submit a cover letter including your current affiliation or position, a short description of your reasons for applying to the K12 program, the title of your proposed research, and a declaration that you do not have a pending application/submission for any other PHS mentored career development award (e.g., K01, K07, K08, K22, K23). If selected for an interview you will be required to submit a full research plan for a proposed K12 research project to be presented during the interview process 2. Attach a curriculum vitae 3. Attach a research plan for a clinical and translational research project to include Specific Aims and Research Strategy (up to 3 pages but no more than 6). 4. Include in your list of references 3 individuals; 1 or more of which have current or past NIH support who can speak to your commitment to a clinical and translational research career. 5. Attach up to 3 of your recent publications that best support your research plan. Please note that your application will NOT be considered complete until all of the following are received: • Complete application that includes all of the associated documents loaded (cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of references, recent publications) • Research plan for a clinical and translational research project Questions related to this posting may be directed to Jennifer Sanchez, HSC Office of Research,

jasanchez@salud.unm.edu

For Best ConsiderationFor best consideration, please apply by 6/16/2026. This position will remain open until filled.

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.

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