Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Oral Biology

Position Summary
The Department of Oral Biology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry enthusiastically invites applicants for a Bridge to Faculty (B2F) Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Successful applicants will be outstanding scholars from diverse backgrounds who desire a career in oral, dental and craniofacial research, and whose work aligns with our department's focus on oral microbiology/immunology, salivary glands, oral cancer research, and regenerative sciences.

The B2F Program (https://diversity.uic.edu/faculty/bridge-to-faculty/) is a university level initiative designed to increase faculty diversity at UIC by recruiting and retaining scholars from groups that have been historically underrepresented in their departments or fields. Subject to satisfactory performance and University approval, the successful candidate may be re-appointed for one additional year as a postdoctoral scholar. Successful post docs in the B2F program may have the opportunity to transition to tenure-track faculty at UIC starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The position is full-time and benefits eligible. The selected scholar will be involved in a robust mentoring program within UIC College of Dentistry and will participate in a cohort-based mentoring experience through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, along with other B2F Scholars. The Scholar will have access to institutional and departmental resources specifically designed to support readiness for an Assistant Professor position. These include guidance from primary and secondary research mentors, access to workshops and seminars that foster research and teaching excellence, assistance with grant applications from UIC College of Dentistry Office of Research, and peer mentoring and support through formal and informal interactions with other B2F Scholars.

Duties & Responsibilities

The primary expectations for the Postdoctoral Scholar will be to establish a robust program of research and participate in the intellectual life of the College of Dentistry. The individual will have no service expectations during the two years in the program. If the Postdoctoral Scholar desires to engage and develop teaching skills, they will be allowed to teach 1 course per year (less than 10% effort). These protections are provided to ensure that the individual can establish a strong research program to launch a successful tenure-track faculty position as Assistant Professor.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.