Senior Research Faculty - College of Health Professions

Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Scholarship
Develop and lead an internationally recognized research program in neurodegeneration, brain health, and health sciences.
Secure competitive external funding from national and international agencies to support research activities, with a focus on R-level, Center, and training grants.
Publish high-impact peer-reviewed articles and disseminate findings to academic, clinical, and public audiences.
Build interdisciplinary collaborations across VCU, health professions, neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, and public health.

Teaching & Mentorship
Teach and mentor faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students in areas such as neurobehavioral science, brain health, research methods, grant writing, and similar.
Contribute to graduate and professional education in health professions and neurobehavioral science.

Service & Leadership
Provide leadership in departmental, college, and university committees.
Participate in strategic initiatives related to research infrastructure and capacity.
Engage with the Richmond and surrounding communities, healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community organizations to ensure research is relevant and translates to community needs, aligning with VCU’s mission as a community-engaged institution.
Contribute to policy discussions, review panels, editorial boards, and evidence-based guidelines for neurodegenerative care to accelerate the translation of science into practice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: PhD or equivalent terminal research degree in Health Professions, Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Sciences, Psychology, or a related field.
  • Sustained record of scholarly productivity, recent extramural funding (R01 or similar) as Principal Investigator, and currently funded with a history of success in securing major research grants and managing large-scale projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the study of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS) across the continuum of care.
  • Commitment to research that complements and amplifies existing expertise in the College of Health Professions and VCU.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience mentoring doctoral students, post-doctoral trainees, and new faculty.
  • Experience with biomarkers, surveillance, prevention, intervention, or implementation science.
  • Commitment to interdisciplinary and translational research.
  • Vision for advancing health professions and health sciences in prevention and care in neurodegenerative conditions.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Drs. Faika Zanjani & Lana Sargent
Contact Email: fzanjani@vcu.edu & lsargent@vcu.edu