Cancer Biology Research Program Co-Leader

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology have made a strategic decision to expand basic sciences cancer research. We invite applications from qualified investigators at the Associate or Full Professor level for a leadership position as Cancer Biology Research Program Co-Leader. The Co-leader will provide scientific leadership for the program including strategic planning, oversight, mentoring faculty, shaping recruitment and collaboration priorities, and advancing interdisciplinary research.

Background:

The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is a leader in pharmacology research and education. This Department is undergoing a strategic expansion with a focus that includes cancer cell signaling, pharmacology, structural biology, and therapeutics, highlighted by seven recruitments in the last five years. The Department is defined by a highly collaborative and supportive culture and is a destination for outstanding graduate student and postdoctoral trainees. With renewed institutional investment, the department seeks to continue its strategic growth in partnership with the MCW Cancer Center.

The MCW Cancer Center is an integrated partnership of >250 cancer scientists and physicians within three research programs focused on 1) discovering basic biological processes that promote cancer risk, development, and progression (Cancer Biology Research Program), 2) translating promising scientific discoveries into clinical practice (Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program), and 3) facilitating research endeavors that reduce cancer risk, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life across the cancer care continuum (Cancer Control Research Program).

The Cancer Center serves a Catchment Area that includes the eastern-most 29 Wisconsin counties from the northern to southern state borders with 3.36M residents, encompassing 58% of the state’s population. The Cancer Center has an ambitious plan for growth including achievement of NCI designation. As one of the largest U.S. metro areas without an NCI-designated cancer center, this achievement will have a significant impact on the health and quality of life of the people of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. The Cancer Biology Research Program plays a central role in this effort, accelerating discovery in cancer signaling, metabolism, genetics and genomics, precision oncology, cancer immunology, tumor micronevironment, and structural biology.

Requirements:

Qualified applicants must hold a PhD, MD/PhD or MD degree and have a record of making important research contributions and securing extramural funding. An ideal candidate will have a strong research program in cancer-relevant signaling mechanisms. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, a generous research startup and program development package, and an endowed chair commensurate with the candidate’s vision and accomplishments. The institution is committed to fostering a merit-based inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Interested applicants can apply by clicking the link to redirect you to our application site. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

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MCW is located on the west side of Milwaukee, which is situated on picturesque Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. Milwaukee boasts some of the nation's largest summer festivals, a multi-cultural population rich in culinary and artistic tradition, a progressive downtown, and a multitude of outdoors recreation opportunities, offering a superb quality of life. The Milwaukee area has affordable housing of all types, excellent public and parochial schools, and minimal traffic. Neighborhoods are known for their variety and character.