Job Description
Chair, Department of Cancer Biology Location: Philadelphia
Open Date: Nov 07, 2025
Deadline: Nov 07, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to advance a department renowned for its fundamental discoveries and translational impact in cancer research.
Founded in 2000, the Department of Cancer Biology is dedicated to uncovering the molecular, cellular, and genetic foundations of cancer, with the ultimate aim of reducing its impact. The department also prioritizes training future cancer scientists and physicians. Through strategic leadership, it has developed robust research and educational programs that are deeply embedded within the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), the University, and the broader community. Its esteemed faculty advance scientific knowledge and mentor emerging researchers, offering comprehensive training to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
The Department of Cancer Biology is closely aligned with the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, in addition to key partnerships with the Division of Hematology-Oncology, the Abramson Cancer Center, the Basser Center for BRCA, and the Center for Cancer Data Science. It also has collaborative relationships with the Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, as well as the Departments of Bioengineering, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Radiology.
The Chair of the Department directs 19 full-time faculty and 41 research support and administrative staff, with cutting-edge research programs spanning cancer genetics, cancer cell biology, angiogenesis, DNA damage response and genomic stability, genetically engineered animal models, oncogenic signaling and oncogene addiction, tumor dormancy, cell cycle deregulation, tumor metabolism, tumor suppressor networks, small animal imaging, and computational biology.
The Department of Cancer Biology plays a vital role in Penn's educational ecosystem, with 63 trainees largely drawn from the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group. Students and trainees are offered opportunities at every stage of their academic journey.
The Chair will provide strong vision and leadership for the Department and will lead strategic planning and implementation for its continued success. Applicants for the position of Chair must hold an MD and/or PhD degree and qualify for a faculty appointment as Associate Professor or Professor in the Standing Faculty of the PSOM at the University of Pennsylvania. Candidates should have a distinguished national/international record of research, possess dynamic leadership, and have significant administrative expertise. Candidates must have a clear commitment to - and excellence in - education, sponsorship and mentorship of students, trainees and faculty. Candidates must have demonstrated the ability to foster strong collaborations among investigators within the Department, the PSOM, the campus community and beyond. Candidates must articulate a compelling vision for the future of cancer biology at the PSOM, the role of the Department within a highly regarded academic medical center, and the broader field of cancer biology.
All interested applicants are invited to apply by uploading their curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and research statement, attention David A. Mankoff, MD, PhD. First consideration will be given to applications received by December 10, 2025.
Qualifications Application Instructions To apply, visit Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Job Tags
Full time, Traineeship, Local area,