Assistant Professor | Biology & Biotechnology

Worcester Polytechnic Institute•Worcester, MA

2d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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. 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. About WPI Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a vibrant and diverse community of extraordinary students, talented and dedicated staff, and world-renowned faculty. Along with its state-of-the-art research facilities, WPI offers competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs, including paid time off, health insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, and a working environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being. It is a community committed to civility and respect—making inclusion and belonging a reality for everyone on its campus.

Requirements

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).
Substantial postdoctoral experience.
Strong record of impactful research.
Commitment to teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.
Strong endorsements from referees.
Teaching experience and accomplishments highlighted as part of the application.
Statement of teaching philosophy.
Sample course materials and teaching evaluations if available.
Cover letter.
Current curriculum vitae (including a link to a Google Scholar profile or similar).
Research statement outlining current and future research interests (3 pages).
Statement of teaching philosophy and dossier as appropriate (1-2 pages).
Provide the name and contact information of three references.

Nice To Haves

Candidates who integrate computational, quantitative, and/or AI-driven approaches with experimentally grounded biological research programs.
Candidates whose work bridges computation and experimentation.

Responsibilities

Enhance and complement the Department’s strengths in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and neuroscience.
Integrate computational, quantitative, and/or AI-driven approaches with experimentally grounded biological research programs.
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.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to experimentally driven research, including a substantive wet-laboratory component within their research program.
Bridge computation and experimentation in their work.
Pursue vigorous, innovative, and independent internationally recognized research.
Establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.
Commitment to teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.