Tenure-Track Faculty Position - in Biology and Biological Engineering

California Institute of Technology - Biology and Biological Engineering; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

California Institute of Technology – Biology and Biological Engineering invites applications for a faculty position in molecular cell biology. We seek candidates who will develop an innovative, interdisciplinary research program and contribute to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Successful applicants will advance mechanistic studies and quantitative modeling, collaborate across disciplines, and mentor students and postdocs in a dynamic environment at Caltech in Pasadena,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, biophysics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentorship at undergrad and graduate levels.
• Preference for Assistant Professor; other ranks may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop an innovative research program in molecular cell biology.
• Demonstrate strong teaching and mentorship at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to Caltech's dynamic research environment.

Skills

Molecular cell biology

Quantitative modeling

AI-based analysis

Education

Ph.D. required

Job description

Faculty Position- in Biology and Biological Engineering: Caltech, Pasadena, CA, United States

The Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE) at Caltech is seeking a faculty member in the area of Molecular Cell Biology. We are interested in candidates who will establish an innovative, interdisciplinary research program studying fundamental processes in any area of molecular cell biology. These include, but are not limited to, candidates with a research focus in:
(i) mechanistic studies of cellular processes (translation, membrane trafficking, signal transduction, cytoskeleton, gene regulation, biomolecular condensates, etc.)
(ii) quantitative or computational modeling of cellular processes.
(iii) molecular and cellular characterizations related to specific fields (virology, immunology, stem cell biology, etc.)

Successful candidates may also leverage or develop advanced quantitative techniques such as live imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, proteomics, genomics, synthetic biology, or AI-based analysis and prediction coupled with more classical methods such as biochemistry and genetics to push the boundaries of mechanistic discovery in cell biology. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to a dynamic research environment aimed at addressing key biological and biomedical challenges.

Successful applicants are expected to develop innovative research programs and to demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Preference will be given to candidates at the Assistant Professor level; however, well-qualified applicants at the associate or full professor level may also be considered. The term of an initial untenured appointment is for four years and is contingent upon completion of the Ph.D. degree.

Please submit on-line applications at: https://www.bbe.caltech.edu/jobs and include a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, relevant publications, and a description of proposed research. In addition, applicants should submit an education statement that addresses the applicant’s thoughts on classroom and laboratory instruction, mentorship of students and postdoctoral scholars, and ways to foster an inclusive environment for the development of scholars who come to Caltech with many different perspectives and experiences

Applicants should arrange to have 3-4 reference letters uploaded.

Salaries for professorial faculty at Caltech fall in the range $125,000-$400,000.

Applications submitted by October 16, 2026 will be given full consideration.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.