"Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences - Open-rank, Tenure-track positions"

Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences - Open-rank, Tenure-track positions

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences is a newly established basic science department within the College of Medicine (COM) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences (OUHSC). The Department is embarking on an aggressive growth schedule to recruit multiple (3-5) tenure-track or tenured faculty - at the ranks of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor - in each of the next three years. We seek applicants who are energized by the opportunity to join a founding team to build a vibrant and evolving academic community. As members of the inaugural cohort, these faculty will have both the opportunity and the responsibility to co-create the scholarly vision of the Department, shape its collaborative norms, and define a lasting culture of excellence. Successful candidates are expected to develop independent research programs that pursue fundamental questions in molecular genetics and genome sciences, while also catalyzing interdisciplinary collaborations that span the full translational spectrum. Collectively, these new faculty will establish a broad, cross-cutting presence at OUHS—connecting genetic and genomic discovery with biomedical data science, systems biology, genomic medicine, and clinical and public health translation.

The Department will leverage existing strengths in OUHSC to advance a coherent understanding of biology and medicine. Key partners for program-building include the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, the Nathan Shock Center on Aging, the Dean McGee Eye Institute, the Stephenson Cancer Center (Oklahoma’s only NCI-designated cancer center), and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. The Department will also serve as a vital link to computation-intense research on the University’s Norman campus, synergizing with the research and education programs at the School of Computer Science and the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering.

We encourage applications from innovative researchers in molecular genetics, computational genomics, and advanced methodological development, as well as those pursuing mechanistic studies of organ development and dynamic modeling of disease trajectories. Successful applicants will receive a competitive salary and start-up package. The Department is housed in a newly renovated building, offering modern, contiguous space designed to support collaborative team science. The Department will actively partner with other departments, institutes, and centers across campus to explore joint growth opportunities (e.g., cluster hires) and to support shared infrastructure needs.

The Department’s initial growth phase emphasizes epigenomic analyses of tissue-specific function and the integration across data modalities and biological scales. We invite applications covering a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:

• Single-cell and spatial analyses, including multi-omic integration.
• Biomedical data science that combines methodology and implementation, in areas such as statistical modeling, natural language processing, bioimaging analytics, and machine learning/artificial intelligence applications that improve genotype-phenotype mapping.
• Translational bioinformatics as applied to complex diseases, including cancers, neurological and psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and aging-related conditions.
• Implementation science that combines (epi)genomic profiles with other emerging data streams, in contexts such as biobanking, deep phenotyping, and predictive modeling of health outcomes.

Faculty in the Department will have the opportunity to mentor graduate students through multiple existing doctoral programs and are expected to contribute to graduate, medical, and postdoctoral education, including the creation of new courses aligned with their expertise. Faculty will also play a central role in establishing a new graduate program in genetics and genome sciences. Additional responsibilities include active participation in services at the departmental, college, and university levels, as well as engagement with the broader academic community nationally and internationally. The Department places a strong emphasis on mentorship and is committed to fostering professional development at every career stage.

How to apply

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) and demonstrate evidence of research productivity, teaching potential, and strong momentum toward a well-defined research plan. Applications should include the following materials:

• A letter of interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• A Research Statement (up to 3 pages)
• A Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages)
• Three letters of reference, or contact information for potential referees (especially for mid-career or senior investigators)

Please submit these materials via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/170058

Mid-career and senior investigators are encouraged to apply; and their academic rank and salary will be commensurate with experience. Leadership roles are available for qualified candidates within the Department's evolving structure.

While application reviews will proceed on a rolling basis, those received by October 1, 2025 will receive full consideration for the 2025–2026 cycle. We also welcome inquiries from those considering future recruitment cycles to discuss potential fit.

About the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences and the College of Medicine

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences (OUHSC) is a comprehensive academic health center and the State’s primary educational resource for training physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, public health specialists, healthcare professionals, and biomedical scientists. The College of Medicine (OUCOM) is the largest component of OUHSC and is the academic arm of OU Health, the state’s flagship comprehensive academic health system. The health system and the College of Medicine work in concert to advance clinical care, medical education, and biomedical research.

OUCOM is at a compelling upward inflection point, boosted by a renewed OU strategic plan that includes the recruitment of 150 faculty to drive research excellence in priority areas such as cancer, diabetes and vascular disease, and neuroscience. Growth in genetics and genomics, anchored by the formation of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences, is expected to further amplify OUCOM’s research profile and broaden OUHSC’s impact across Oklahoma and beyond.

The University of Oklahoma is responsive to the needs of dual-career families and is an Equal Opportunity institution. OUHSC is located in downtown Oklahoma City, with a vibrant cultural scene, thriving business and entertainment districts, and a remarkably affordable cost of living compared to other major university communities nationwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:

The University of Oklahoma values our community’s unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.