Research Assistant Professor

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a research-track Assistant Professor to establish and lead an independent, NIH-funded research program focused on advanced neuroimaging and computational modeling in collaboration with Pediatric Neurosurgery and the Adult Cerebrovascular Division.

This faculty member will develop a translational imaging research program that integrates quantitative MRI, artificial intelligence, and longitudinal clinical data to improve surgical planning, outcome prediction, and disease characterization across pediatric and adult cerebrovascular populations.

The position will be fully research-focused (100% protected effort), with structured integration across clinical and imaging divisions.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Independent Research Program Development
   • Establish and maintain an independent NIH-funded research program in neuroimaging and computational modeling.
   • Submit competitive R21, R01, and related NIH mechanisms within the first 1-2 years.
   • Develop scalable, hypothesis-driven research aligned with pediatric and adult cerebrovascular priorities.
2. Collaborative Grant Leadership
   • Co-develop and co-lead NIH proposals with neurosurgical faculty.
   • Support departmental grant competitiveness through imaging expertise and quantitative modeling.
   • Participate in a structured departmental research core model.
3. Integration with UCAIR / Radiology
   • Collaborate with UCAIR and Neuroradiology to optimize translational imaging protocols.
   • Leverage shared infrastructure for imaging analysis and AI development.
   • Develop and collaborate with existing researchers within the Imaging & Neurosciences Center (INC) and further establish novel imaging protocols to inform future clinical initiatives and grant submissions.
   • Contribute to cross-departmental imaging innovation initiatives.
4. Research Infrastructure & Core Development
   • Develop standardized imaging and analysis pipelines usable by multiple neurosurgical investigators.
   • Serve as a departmental resource for imaging-based clinical studies.
   • Help build a durable research core supporting both pediatric and adult faculty.
5. Mentorship & Academic Contribution
   • Mentor trainees (PhD, postdoctoral, residents) in imaging and translational neuroscience.
   • Contribute to departmental research strategy and academic development.
   • Build interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.

A cover letter of interest, curriculum vitae, brief statement of research goals, and the names and addresses of 3 references should be directed to:

William T. Couldwell, M.D., Ph.D., Neurosurgery
C/O: Candice Devedzic, Admin. Director.
Department of Neurosurgery
175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Quicklink for posting: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200829