Professor of Mucosal Immunology

Penn State University•University Park, IL

About The Position

The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, together with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, seeks an open-rank, tenure-track faculty member in Mucosal Immunology. This is a 9-month appointment with 75% research and 25% teaching; rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The department encourages applicants whose research focuses on immune cell development and function at mucosal surfaces and their metabolism, using animal models and/or clinical studies. Interdisciplinary programs examining how mucosal immune cells interact with and respond to internal and external cues—including the microbiome, pathogens, dietary components, and environmental toxins—will also be considered. Computational, statistical, and data-driven methods may be used, provided the work remains connected to experimental biology and mechanistic insight through laboratory, biochemical, or molecular approaches, with relevance to human and/or animal health. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, including teaching in the undergraduate Immunology and Infectious Disease major and participating in graduate education in Immunology. The position is part of the collaborative research ecosystem of the Huck Institutes, which connects researchers across Penn State and supports research centers, interdisciplinary graduate programs, and shared facilities. Available resources include genomics, metabolomics, imaging, gnotobiotic facilities, and ABSL-3 capabilities. The department also has research ties to the Penn State Cancer Institute and the Institute of Energy and the Environment. Applicants must demonstrate potential to secure extramural funding, excellence in research and teaching, effective communication, and the ability to work collegially in an inclusive academic environment. Applications require a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research-interest statement (maximum three pages), teaching-interest statement, and three confidential recommendation letters upon request. Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Employment requires successful completion of applicable background checks.

Requirements

A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline; the posting specifies PhD and/or MD in Immunology, microbiology, metabolomics, or a related discipline, and also lists PhD, MD, DVM/VMD, or equivalent as qualifying degrees.
A strong record of scientific ability demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
For assistant professor candidates, postdoctoral training and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
For Associate or Full Professor appointment, an established, nationally or internationally reputable, extramurally funded research program and a strong track record of high-impact publications.
Strong potential to secure extramural funding.
Excellence in research and teaching, effective communication skills, and ability to work collegially in an inclusive academic environment.
Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.
Successful completion of required background checks.

Nice To Haves

Research focused on immune cell development and function at mucosal surfaces and their metabolism, incorporating animal models and/or clinical studies.
An interdisciplinary research program investigating molecular mechanisms by which mucosal immune cells interact with and respond to cues such as the microbiome, pathogens, dietary components, and environmental toxins.
Use of computational, statistical, or data-driven approaches integrated with experimental biology and mechanistic insight.

Responsibilities

Conduct a research program in mucosal immunology, with a focus that may include immune cell development and function at mucosal surfaces, metabolism, and relevant internal and external cues.
Pursue extramural funding and produce high-impact, peer-reviewed research.
Teach in the undergraduate Immunology and Infectious Disease major.
Participate in graduate education in Immunology.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Contribute collegially to an inclusive academic environment and collaborative research ecosystem.