Assistant Professor, Tenure Track

Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 based on experience.

Position Summary

The Center for Genetic Diseases at the Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is undergoing expansion and invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an extramurally funded research program in the area of genetic diseases including cancer biology. The Center seeks highly motivated and productive individuals with demonstrated incorporation of innovative approaches to study molecular mechanisms of cancer and genetic diseases at the basic science or translational levels. Areas of interest include but not limited to using combination of molecular, genetic, genomics, cellular approaches and/or animal models to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms on genome integrity and repair, genetic regulation, genetic editing to address unsolved questions underlying disease pathogenesis. New members of the Center will join a highly successful and collaborative group of investigators. Our university encourages and provides opportunities for collaboration with researchers in other Centers. https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/centers/

The successful applicant will teach in the medical and graduate programs. They are also expected to mentor graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and other trainees and provide institutional service. 

Start-up packages and salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Please include in the application: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a research statement (2-3 pages) that includes prior research accomplishments and future research plans, and 4) contact information for at least three references. Review of applicants will begin in December and continue until the position is filled. Selected candidate is expected to start in July 2026. All application materials must be submitted through the electronic applicant tracking system to be eligible for consideration.  

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution once eligible. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. This position is eligible for 24 days of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.

Employment Inquiries:

Inquiries can be directed to Professor Weihang Chai, Chair of the Faculty Search Committee at [email protected]. 

Who We Are

Research at RFU is organized around centers of excellence in discovery and translational science. The Center for Genetic Diseases is one of six such centers designed to nurture collaboration among scientists and clinicians, and facilitate relationships with potential industry partners. RFU’s new 100,000 square foot Innovation and Research Park was opened in 2020. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to accelerate clinically-relevant research advances across complementary fields, including cancer and immunology, genetic diseases, protein biochemistry, brain function and disorders, and will facilitate growth opportunities with industry, biotech firms and startups also housed in the research park. RFU’s history dates back to the founding of the Chicago Medical School more than 100 years ago; the University was renamed in 2004 to honor Dr. Rosalind Franklin’s groundbreaking contributions to DNA biology. Today, the University is composed of five Colleges and Schools that provide graduate-level education to more than 2,000 students in the health professions and life sciences. RFU is situated on a spacious suburban campus next to Lake Michigan with easy access to Chicago, Evanston, and Milwaukee, as well as rural countryside and convenient suburbs. This faculty position is appointed in the Chicago Medical School and School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and will benefit from a collaborative interdisciplinary research community and 100% FTE salary support. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Candidates will devote most of their efforts toward independent scholarly research but will also be expected to provide some classroom education. Additionally, service to the College, University, and Profession is expected of all faculty in activities that are considered core to their primary role as a faculty member. 

Scholarly activities include:

• Original scholarship
• Grant procurement
• Research mentoring

Teaching responsibilities include:

• Direct instruction
• Curriculum management
• Assessment
• Advising and mentoring for students

Service activities include internal and external participation to:

• School and Institutional Committees
• Peer review and study sections
• Recruitment

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Education & Experience

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree.
• 4-7 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Display experience with, and commitment to research education, and service.
• Candidates should demonstrate potential to establish and maintain an externally funded research program.  

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively with interprofessional faculty and staff.
• Strong sense of integrity.
• Teaching experience or a personal commitment to and enthusiasm for education.
• Commitment to upholding the values of the institution. 

Preferred Qualification

• Evidence of scholarly productivity through high-impact publications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for and obtain extramural funding.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability/Vets