Assistant Scientist​/Professor in Rare Disease Research, Institute

Assistant Scientist/Professor in Rare Disease Research, Sanford Research Institute

The Sanford Research Institute’s Division of Biomedical Research invites applications for full-time faculty at the rank of Assistant Scientist with commensurate rank of Assistant Professor at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. The Sanford Research Institute (SRI) is the non-profit research branch of Sanford Health.

We seek outstanding scientists with research programs that span areas of biomedical research impacting rare diseases. This could include but is not limited to: (1) understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of rare diseases, including rare cancers, (2) using model organisms/systems to understand disease progression and to test therapeutic interventions, and (3) developing new therapeutic approaches to treat rare diseases.

Significant institutional support, including modern laboratory space and state-of-the-art facilities will be provided. A comprehensive benefits package will be tailored to the candidate’s qualifications. Successful candidates will join a collaborative team with a well-established infrastructure in rare disease research and faculty mentorship. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to partner with Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) international rare disease patient registry whose mission is to facilitate the advancement of rare disease research.

Applicants should hold a PhD, MD or MD/PhD degree and complement the existing strengths and interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of SRI. Candidates will be expected to develop independent research programs and secure extramural funding.

Sanford Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants should submit a single PDF that includes:
1) detailed curriculum vitae,
2) description of research experience and future research plans with specific details on the relevance of their research to the relevance of rare diseases, and
3) contact information for three letters of recommendation (references will not be contacted without prior approval). Submit materials via email to: research recruitment.

SRI is a vibrant and growing research enterprise and a national leader in translational science and patient-focused innovation. Home to nearly 500 scientists and research professionals across SRI, the organization supports approximately 1,100 clinical trials and a robust research portfolio spanning rare disease, cancer biology, pediatric health, biomedical, biobehavioral, population health, and translational science. With a strong emphasis on discovery and collaboration, SRI advances new diagnostics and therapies that make a meaningful global impact.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 2.4 million patients and more than 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The integrated nonprofit health system includes 56 hospitals, more than 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, and five world clinic locations around the globe. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties across 320,000 square miles.

Sioux Falls is consistently ranked among the Top 10 Best Places to Live in the United States. With no state income tax, a thriving arts community, extensive parks and trails, top-tier educational institutions, and vibrant cultural offerings, the city offers an exceptional quality of life. As Sanford Health’s headquarters and largest regional hub, Sioux Falls provides a dynamic environment for professional and personal fulfillment