Assistant Professor Biology & Biotechnology

JOB TITLE

Assistant Professor | Biology & Biotechnology

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Biology & Biotechnology

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time tenure track position. The appointment will be at any rank, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We seek an outstanding biologist who will enhance and complement the Department’s strengths in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and neuroscience. We are particularly interested in candidates who integrate computational, quantitative, and/or AI-driven approaches with experimentally grounded biological research programs. Competitive applicants will leverage cutting-edge methods in machine learning, systems biology, genomics, imaging, modeling, and/or bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in biology with relevance to biomedical, biotechnological, or environmental applications.

Importantly, applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to experimentally driven research, including a substantive wet-laboratory component within their research program. We seek candidates whose work bridges computation and experimentation.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field (e.g., Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Genetics, or related disciplines), possess substantial postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate a strong record of impactful research.

In addition, we expect a commitment to teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. This will be demonstrated by strong endorsements from referees, any teaching experience and accomplishments highlighted as part of the application, a statement of teaching philosophy, and sample course materials and teaching evaluations if available.

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue vigorous, innovative, and independent internationally recognized research and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.

For more information about the Department of Biology & Biotechnology please visit https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/biology-biotechnology and associated research facilities please visit https://www.wpi.edu/research/core-research-facilities/life-sciences-bioengineering-center.

Our department has strong links to and shared facilities with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (https://www.umassmed.edu/) in Worcester as well as other institutions in the greater Boston Area. WPI is an outstanding scientific environment with a highly interactive community of researchers recognized globally and nationally for 

• Interdisciplinary, project-based education that continues to serve as a national model for experiential learning and innovation in STEM education, including recognition with the NAE Bernard M. Gordon Prize
• A faculty culture that values excellence in both teaching and scholarship within a newly designated R1 research university experiencing rapid growth in research and innovation
• Progressive promotion and tenure pathways that recognize multiple forms of scholarship and provide meaningful avenues for advancement across teaching, research, and institutional impact
• A highly collaborative academic environment consistently recognized for faculty satisfaction with interdisciplinary work, mentoring, and collegiality, including top rankings among peer institutions in the COACHE Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey

Worcester is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, home to the WooSox and an  family-friendly place in which to work and live.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae (including a link to a Google Scholar profile or similar), a research statement outlining current and future research interests (3 pages), and a statement of teaching philosophy and dossier as appropriate (1-2 pages). Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on September 11, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Compensation:

Academic Year Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year.  Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity.  WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.