Assistant Professor – Microbiology

We’ve made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed – our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

This is an exciting opportunity for a new to mid-career investigator to begin an independent career studying microbial disease in a clinical setting. The successful candidate will develop an independent research portfolio in their area of interest and engage in collaborative research with clinical investigators. Applicants will have the opportunity for a joint appointment and teaching responsibilities (20%) at the newly formed Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. We welcome applications from candidates at the Assistant and Associate Professor level and will consider hiring into either role based on experience and qualifications. The position will be supported by designated laboratory space, competitive salary and start-up package. Currently, the Laboratory studies a variety of agents to determine synergistic combinations to help combat antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and yeast. Research also involves the evaluation of rapid diagnostic testing for detection of pathogens and bacterial resistance genes directly from blood. The Laboratory is CLIA compliant and stores 37,000 clinical bacterial and yeast isolates collected from 1999 to present. A total of 21,000 isolates are banked from positive blood cultures, and many of the bacterial isolates are multidrug-resistant. These banked isolates represent an invaluable opportunity for a new investigator to pursue a number of research avenues.

Education 
Required – Master’s degree in biological science or related field.
Preferred – PhD in biological science or related field from an accredited school or MD/DO.

Work Experience
Required – Track record of publications,
completed post-doctoral training, 
OR
5 years of relevant professional level experience.
Preferred – Track record of investigator-initiated research and related funding.

Certifications
Required – None.
Preferred – Nationally Recognized Informatics Certification or membership to national society.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Solid understanding of biological science or related field of study.
• Knowledge of the process for procuring and managing extramural research funding.
• Knowledge of federal and non-federal regulations relevant to research.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to be self-directed, set priorities, delegate, lead a team, and exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Deep knowledge of statistical methods, research design, and research methods and ability to publish research findings.
• Ability to work and teach in an inter-professional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present information clearly and
• professionally to varying levels of individuals.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills and ability to handle diverse responsibilities and
• multiple projects at one time under strict deadlines.
• Ability to travel within state of employment.

Job Duties

• Develops a research portfolio as an independent investigator.
• Works collaboratively with faculty on courses, research, and special projects related to area of expertise.
• Performs complex technical analyses related to core competency.
• Pursues scholarly research and publication.
• Ensures results of research/scholarly work are published, disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and/or presented at conferences or symposiums.
• Writes and submits a minimum of 2 major grants per year until extramural funding needed to support the research program has been secured.
• Trains laboratory staff, clinical research coordinators, or other personnel assisting the program.
• Directs work and serves as scientific leader for the research program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
 
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid, or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur. Incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid.
The incumbent works with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases and may enter isolation rooms. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, pregnancy status, pregnancy-related conditions, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, age, veteran status, military status, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. These protections extend to applicants and all employment related decisions. View the EEO is the Law poster and its supplement, as well as the pay transparency policy for more information. 

Affirmative Action Policy Statement