Department of Behavioral Science
College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
Tenure Track Regular Title Series Faculty Position

Introduction:  We are seeking applicants for a tenure track, open rank Regular Title Series, full time (12 month) position in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky. We seek individuals with a dynamic, productive research agenda that focuses on substance use/substance use disorder using behavioral science research methods. The Department of Behavioral Science is a highly productive, collegial, and collaborative basic science research and training department in the College of Medicine.

The ideal candidate will be an early-career applicant (e.g., Assistant Professor level) with NIH- funded research or a strong promise of such funding; maintain a focus on substance use/substance use disorder; aspire to engage in research mentorship; and contribute to a vibrant environment of scholars from the behavioral sciences, public health, social sciences, communication, health services research, biomedical informatics, health sciences (nursing, medicine, nutrition, pharmacy, etc.) and/or others. Attractive start up package, premium and contiguous space, and excellent benefits will be provided. The University of Kentucky is located in the beautiful, diverse, progressive, and accessible city of Lexington. Lexington, with over 250,000 residents, offers a high quality of life, affordability and a well educated population.

Position Description:  Faculty members will be expected to conduct innovative, rigorous, grant funded research and engage in scholarly activities (peer reviewed publications, presentations, etc.). Faculty members also will contribute to undergraduate teaching in the Lewis Honors College, behaviorally oriented training of UK medical students and research training of UK graduate students and postdoctoral scholars associated with the Department of Behavioral Science, including mentorship programs, courses, workshops, and supervised research. Faculty members also are expected to engage in broader research and training initiatives across all 16 Colleges of the University of Kentucky, including Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy, Nursing, Communication and Information Sciences, Health Sciences, etc. These initiatives include grant consultation and review; a dynamic speaker series and other enriching events like our annual Substance Use Research Event; pilot project competitions; and outreach to the lay public. Several Centers at the University of Kentucky support SUD-related research, including the UK Cannabis Center, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR), and the Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET).

Qualifications:  Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent and experience in clinical and translational addiction research, such as intervention development and/or health equity in substance use disorders is strongly desired. Candidates with research expertise in the fields of psychology, sociology, behavioral pharmacology, epidemiology and/or addiction medicine are preferred. 

Representative Percentage of Time and Effort:
Research/Scholarly Activities 50%

Instructional Activities 30%
Professional Development 5%
Service to Department, College, University or Professional Organizations 15%

Criteria for Appointment, Promotion and/or Tenure:  The evaluation for appointment, promotion and/or tenure will be guided by University of Kentucky Administrative Regulations, summarized below:

Assistant Professor:  Appointment to the rank of assistant professor shall be made after it has been determined that the individual has capability for excellent research productivity (publications, presentation, grants) and teaching and service capacity, as attested to by colleagues, mentees, mentors and peers at the local level.

Associate Professor:  Appointment or promotion to associate professor shall be made only after a candidate has met the criteria for assistant professor and has demonstrated high scholarly achievements commensurate with his/her assignment in the areas of: (1) research as demonstrated by grantsmanship, publications, presentations, and other activities; (2) training, mentoring, and other instructional activities; (3) professional, university and public service. An indication of continuous improvement and research contributions should be evident as documented by the candidate. Further, the individual should have earned external recognition for excellence in his/her scholarly activities. This recognition should be on a national level as appropriate to the field of assignment.

Professor:  Appointment or promotion to full professor shall be made only after a candidate has met the criteria for associate professor and has demonstrated high scholarly achievements commensurate with his/her assignment in the areas of: (1) research as demonstrated by grantsmanship, publications, presentations, and other activities; (2) training, mentoring, and other instructional activities; (3) professional, university and public service. Such an appointment implies that, in the opinion of colleagues, the candidate’s scholarship is excellent and, in addition, s/he has earned a high level of professional recognition on a national or international level. It should be stressed further that this rank is in recognition of attainment rather than length of service.

Applications will be accepted on the UK Jobs website:  https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/499661

Application review will continue until the appropriate candidate is identified. For more information, please contact:  Jennifer Havens, Substance Use Disorder Faculty Position Search Chair, Jennifer.Havens@uky.edu