Assistant Professor - Molecular and Precision / Medicine

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University in Hershey, PA invites applications for Assistant Professor non-tenure line positions in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal immunology, regenerative biology, and advanced model systems. Successful candidates will join a collaborative environment with core facilities for genomics, proteomics, imaging, and computational biology.

Responsibilities include developing an independent research program, mentoring trainees, publishing in high-impact journals,

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a relevant field.
• Evidence of strong postdoctoral training and high-quality publications.
• Research focus in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal biology, or organoid models.
• Ability to establish an independent, externally funded program.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an externally funded research program in molecular and precision medicine.
• Conduct impactful research in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, or organoid systems.
• Develop and apply cutting-edge molecular and cellular approaches to disease mechanisms.
• Collaborate with clinicians and translational researchers to address clinically relevant problems.
• Publish high-impact research and contribute to national scientific visibility.
• Mentor students and postdocs and contribute to teaching and training activities.

Skills

Collaborative mindset

Mentoring

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD

Strong postdoctoral training

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Departments of Medicine, and Molecular and Precision Medicine, in Hershey, PA, invites applications for faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor non-tenure line. We seek innovative and collaborative scientists with research programs aligned with emerging priorities in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal immunology, regenerative biology, and advanced model systems, including organoids and tissue‑engineered platforms.

Successful candidates will join a highly interactive and growing research environment that integrates basic discovery with translational and clinical investigation. The Department of Medicine and affiliated institutes provide strong infrastructure for interdisciplinary work, including access to core facilities in genomics, proteomics, imaging, computational biology, and advanced cell and tissue modeling. Faculty will have opportunities to collaborate across departments and centers focused on precision health, host‑pathogen interactions, cancer biology, aging, and regenerative medicine.

We are particularly interested in candidates developing innovative approaches to study mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and disease across the lifespan, including host‑microbe interactions, immune regulation at barrier tissues, epithelial biology, tumor‑microenvironment interactions, and the use of organoid and organ‑on‑chip systems to model human disease and therapeutic response. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an independent, externally funded research program and contribute to the academic mission through mentorship and teaching.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Establish and maintain a highly innovative, externally funded research program in molecular and precision medicine
• Conduct impactful research in areas such as aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer, mucosal biology, regenerative medicine, or advanced human model systems (e.g., organoids, assembloids, tissue chips)
• Develop and apply cutting‑edge molecular, cellular, and systems‑level approaches to understand disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets
• Collaborate with clinicians and translational researchers to define and address clinically relevant problems
• Publish high‑impact research and contribute to national scientific visibility
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees across interdisciplinary programs
• Contribute to the educational mission through teaching and training activities

Specific qualifications include:

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline)
• Evidence of strong postdoctoral training and a record of high‑quality publications
• Research focus in one or more of the following areas:
  • Biology of aging and age‑related disease
  • Infectious diseases and host‑pathogen interactions
  • Cancer biology and tumor microenvironment
  • Mucosal and epithelial biology
  • Organoid, stem cell, or tissue‑engineered disease models
  • Precision medicine and systems biology approaches
• Strong critical thinking skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to generate innovative hypotheses
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaborative skills

Interested candidates should apply online and provide:

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research accomplishments and future plans
• Contact information for 2-3 references

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to emp