The O’Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center invites applications for the Early Impact Faculty Scholar (EIFS) Program in Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience. This program is designed to recruit exceptional early-career scientists who are pursuing innovative research in theoretical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, AI-related neuroscience, and related disciplines.

The EIFS appointment is a faculty-level Instructor position that provides outstanding early-career researchers with the opportunity to establish an independent research program while receiving mentorship, institutional support, and the ability to compete for independent research funding.

Faculty Scholars are appointed for a three-year term (with a two-year appointment possible in exceptional cases) and are supported by an Advisory Committee of internal and external experts who provide career guidance, scientific mentorship, and formal evaluation for potential transition to a tenure-track faculty position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an innovative, independent research program in computational and/or theoretical neuroscience.
• Pursue externally funded research.
• Collaborate with investigators across the O’Donnell Brain Institute and UT Southwestern.
• Participate in scientific presentations, seminars, and institute activities.
• Meet regularly with an Advisory Committee that provides mentorship and career development guidance.
• Present research progress and future plans during the formal review process for potential transition to a tenure-track faculty appointment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics, or a related quantitative discipline, or a PhD thesis approved for defense by the time of appointment.
• Candidates must be at the earliest stages of their independent research career, from completion of the PhD through approximately 2–3 years post-PhD. 
• Demonstrated research excellence and strong potential for developing an independent research program in computational and/or theoretical neuroscience.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: computational neuroscience, theoretical neuroscience, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mathematical modeling, data science, or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research that complements and enhances the scientific mission of the O’Donnell Brain Institute.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative, high-impact research questions.
• Experience working across disciplines, including neuroscience, computation, AI, engineering, or quantitative biology.
• Potential to secure independent extramural research funding.

Appointment and Support

The Early Impact Faculty Scholar appointment includes:

• Three-year Instructor faculty appointment (two-year appointment possible in exceptional circumstances)
• 100% institutional salary support during the appointment
• $100,000 annually for research staff and related research expenses
• Institutional support for computational resources based on research needs
• Eligibility to apply for independent research funding

Faculty are formally evaluated during the appointment for potential transition to a tenure-track Assistant Professor position.

Application Instructions

• Cover letter describing research interests and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Research statement (3–5 pages) outlining past accomplishments, current research, and future research plans.
• Contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be requested at a later stage).

Applications should be submitted electronically through the UT Southwestern Careers website. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/