Assistant Professor - Molecular and Precision Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, through the Penn State College of Medicine and related departments, seeks candidates for Assistant Professor (non-tenure line) positions in Hershey, PA. The appointees will build independent, externally funded programs in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal immunology, and advanced model systems such as organoids and tissue chips.

We value collaborative individuals who will contribute to teaching and mentorship while advancing

Qualifications

• PhD/MD/MD-PhD in a relevant field with strong postdoctoral training and high-quality publications.
• Research focused on aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal and epithelial biology, organoid or tissue-engineered models, or precision medicine.
• Proven ability to establish an externally funded research program and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an innovative, externally funded research program in molecular and precision medicine.
• Conduct research in aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, mucosal biology or advanced human model systems.
• Develop cutting-edge molecular and systems biology approaches to disease mechanisms and targets.
• Collaborate with clinicians and translational researchers to address clinically relevant questions.
• Publish high-impact work and contribute to national scientific visibility.
• Mentor students and postdoctoral fellows; contribute to teaching and training.

Skills

Scientific rigor

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD/MD/MD-PhD in Molecular Biology/Immunology/Microbiology/Cancer Biology/Biomedical Sciences or related field

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 employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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