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The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Markey Cancer Center, is seeking a distinguished faculty member with expertise in precision oncology and/or Phase I clinical trials to join the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. This individual will serve as the Co-Director of the Precision Medicine Center (PMC) and Early Therapeutics Unit, with the potential to advance to Director for an exceptional candidate. The successful applicant will lead the scientific and strategic direction of this vibrant Phase I-focused team, fostering transdisciplinary research collaborations, securing extramural funding, and contributing to the scholarly activities of both the College of Pharmacy and the Markey Cancer Center. Additionally, this role will contribute to the ongoing success of Markey’s state-wide Molecular Tumor Board, engaging in national oncology organizations, and mentoring graduate students, thereby enhancing the institution's impact on oncology research and clinical trials.

Candidates must possess a pharmacy degree (PhD and/or PharmD). Advanced clinical training and expertise is preferred, but not required. Senior career level with experience should apply; preference will be given to candidates who have a track record of outstanding scholarship, research productivity, leadership. Successful applicants will demonstrate expertise that complements existing cancer center strengths in genomic analysis, research relevant to actionable targets for cancer therapeutics and interpretation of clinically relevant molecular genomics. Additionally, a successful candidate will lead efforts to adopt pharmacogenetic and/or pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic standards for oncology therapeutics.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an extramurally funded, nationally recognized, collaborative research program. Opportunities for clinical practice engagement that are complementary to the candidate’s scholarship focus are plentiful at UK HealthCare and at the Markey Cancer Center. The selected candidate will also be expected to contribute to the teaching, advising, and mentoring of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and graduate students. This job description provides a portrait of an ideal candidate. Candidates who possess many, though perhaps not all, qualifications are encouraged to apply.

A primary mission of The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is to improve health by developing innovative approaches for the treatment of disease. Our faculty create and lead collaborative, transdisciplinary efforts within our University’s dynamic and growing research and clinical enterprises, with a particular focus on translating discoveries to impact patients. The academic medical center complex is a mix of academic colleges and research centers that cultivate and provide expertise in all aspects of drug research from T1 to T4.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center on the medical campus of the University of Kentucky. Situated on a campus with all six health profession colleges, the cancer center is located within a vibrant and expanding basic, clinical, and population research community with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across its research programs (see https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/research for more information).

The College of Pharmacy resides in a 286,000 sq. ft. building located next to the Biomedical Biological Sciences Research Building and the recently opened Healthy Kentucky Research Building that also houses pharmacy faculty. Additional resources on campus include: an NIH funded Center for Clinical and Translational Science.

Application materials must include:

1) Curriculum vitae,

2) Cover letter including clinical practice activities, focus, and interests,

3) Research statement including a summary of research goals (under specific request 1),

4) Teaching and mentoring philosophy statement (under specific request 2),

5) Names of three people who may be contacted for reference letters.

*Items 2-5 should not exceed 2 pages each (8 pages total)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Assessment of candidate applications will start immediately, with an anticipated interview schedule beginning in January. This process will continue until the position is filled or June 30, 2025, whichever comes first.

For questions about the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair,
Dr. Val Adams (val.adams@uky.edu). For questions regarding submitting application materials, contact UK Human Resources (UKJobs@email.uky.edu or call 859-257-9555, option 2).