Assistant/Associate Professor of Cell Engineering and Therapy (Tenure Track)

Assistant/Associate Professor of Cell Engineering and Therapy (Tenure Track)

Description

The Columbia Institute for Cell Engineering and Therapy (CICET) at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) invites applications for tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. We seek outstanding scientists pursuing basic and/or translational research that advances cell and gene therapies.

VP&S is part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which comprises 30 basic and clinical departments complemented by over 20 interdisciplinary centers. Clinical investigators work in close partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP), one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.

The faculty member will hold an interdisciplinary appointment in CICET and in the VP&S department that best aligns with their expertise.

About CICET

CICET is a university-wide academic initiative dedicated to discovering and developing transformative cell- and gene-based therapies through interdisciplinary research and translational innovation. This recruitment is part of CICET’s continued investment in building a collaborative faculty group focused on pioneering therapeutic approaches with strong translational potential.

CICET provides a highly collaborative academic environment that enables interdisciplinary research spanning fundamental discovery, translational development, and clinical application. Faculty have access to shared institutional resources, robust translational infrastructure, and CICET’s core laboratories, which will be located in the medical center’s new Vagelos Innovation Laboratories (VIL) building. This environment is further strengthened by a state-of-the-art cell and gene therapy GMP facility, regulatory support, cell and gene therapy clinical trials management, and a broad network of investigators and physician-scientists across Columbia University. This network includes leaders in all fields of medicine, bioengineering, computational biology, immunology, stem cell biology, systems biology, biochemistry, artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, and more. Together, these strengths create an open and dynamic ecosystem that fosters productive cross-disciplinary collaboration in translational cell engineering and in the development and implementation of cell and gene therapies.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will establish and lead an independent, externally funded research program aligned with CICET’s mission. This position offers the opportunity to pursue high-impact scholarship in a collaborative academic environment that values scientific excellence, innovation, and translational relevance. 

Areas of interest include but are not limited to: innovative cell-based therapies, cell and gene delivery platforms, genetic engineering technologies, and translational research across a broad range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, transplantation, neurodegeneration, and monogenic disorders. 

Faculty responsibilities include research, teaching, mentorship, and service consistent with the expectations for tenure-track faculty at Columbia University. 

The faculty member will be expected to:

• Develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program
• Conduct original, high-impact cell engineering and gene therapy research aligned with CICET’s mission and priorities
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with investigators across Columbia University
• Contribute to the teaching and mentoring of graduate students, medical trainees, and postdoctoral fellows
• Participate in academic service activities that support the mission of CICET and the University

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of research excellence and scholarly productivity
• Clear potential or track record to establish an independent, externally funded research program
• Commitment to teaching, mentorship, and collaborative scholarship

Preferred Qualifications for Associate Level Applications:

• Evidence of a productive publication record and national reputation in their field 

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Required documents include:

• Cover letter: Applicants must clearly indicate whether they are applying for the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position.
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement describing past accomplishments and future research directions
  • Assistant Professor: 2–3 pages
  • Associate Professor: 3–4 pages
• Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy
• Letters of Reference
  • Applicants should submit three reference letters with their application materials.
  • If letters are still pending, applicants should include the name and contact information for the referees.

The annual salary range for these positions:

• Assistant Professor: $160,000 - $180,000
• Associate Professor: $200,000 - $230,000

For questions, please contact Ms. Eden Bechard: View email address on us.fitly.work

Salary Range: $160,000 - $230,000

Applications Accepted at:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.