Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cell Biology

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cell Biology- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago

Hiring Department : Biological Sciences

Location :  Chicago, IL, USA

Requisition ID : 1043009

Posting Close Date: December 18, 2026

Link to apply:

Salary:  The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

UIC faculty are expected to carry out their responsibilities in person and onsite as part of a vibrant and collegial on-campus community.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement plan, Paid time off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

About the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers the largest and fastest-growing major in the college. The department currently has 28 tenure-line faculty and 11 non-tenure-track faculty, > 2,400 undergraduate majors and over 105 graduate students, and is committed to continued hiring of outstanding new faculty. Faculty members have broad research interests, with strengths in neurobiology, cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics, utilizing a diverse array of model organisms. The Department fosters a vibrant, collaborative community, partnering with institutions like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Rush Medical College, the Chicago Field Museum, and other local organizations. Recruitment includes a generous start-up package, modern research facilities, extensive shared equipment, and access to various state-of-the-art core facilities ().

Position Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cell Biology. We seek candidates who use any combination of molecular, genetic, physiologic, and imaging approaches to examine fundamental questions about cellular function across a wide range of model systems and biological scales. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program. Commitment to teaching excellence in the graduate and undergraduate programs is expected. Teaching duties will include instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with specific courses to be determined.

Duties & Responsibilities

Establish a vigorous, active, and externally funded research program utilizing any combination of experimental approaches to examine and explore processes fundamental to cellular biology in plant, animal, or microbial cells from any domain of life. Participate in the intellectual life of the university. Seek external funding in support of their research program. Teach UIC undergraduate and graduate students in Biological Sciences. Guide students in research. Provide service to the Department and University in the form of committee work, seminar coordination, policy review, and/or mentorship and other service activities. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.  

Minimum Qualifications
The candidate must have a PhD degree, with relevant postdoctoral experience and a demonstrated record of research accomplishments

For full consideration , please complete an online application and submit the following materials:

Cover letter outlining applicant qualifications and motivation Curriculum vitae Research plan (up to 3 pages) Teaching philosophy statement (1 page) Names and contact information (including email addresses) for at least 3 references  

Applications should be submitted at: by December 18, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Final authorization of the position is subject to availability of funding.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.