Open Rank Tenure-track or Tenured Professor

The Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level and for a tenured appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level, beginning July 1, 2027, or later based on mutual agreement.

We seek candidates with an M.D. or Ph.D. degree in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or a related field (required by the start of employment) who pursue innovative approaches to fundamental research on molecules, cells, organisms, and their interactions, including work that considers biological complexity across scales. The department welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who use integrative, quantitative, and computational approaches that leverage the growing power of artificial intelligence and the strengths of MIT in computing, engineering, and the physical sciences. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: chemical biology and biochemistry; microbial biology; structural, cell, and molecular biology, including cryo-electron tomography.

Duties will include developing and leading an independent, vibrant research program in the biological sciences, and developing and teaching undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in biology and related areas. We recruit colleagues who share our commitment to supervising graduate and undergraduate research and mentoring talented trainees from a broad range of backgrounds.

The successful candidate will receive lab and office space, a generous start-up package, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities. The Department of Biology offers supportive mentorship to junior faculty, an exceptional environment for scientific inquiry, and a strong commitment to an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative culture; we seek candidates who will contribute to this culture.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a summary of current and proposed research (≤5 pages), a teaching philosophy statement (~1 page), and a mentoring statement (~1 page) describing their experience and/or how they envision leading a group and supporting the scientific development of trainees. Assistant Professor level applications only: Letters of recommendation should be submitted separately by at least three individuals who can evaluate the candidate’s accomplishments and future potential.

Application materials should be submitted to Academic Jobs Online (

Application deadline is October 20, 2026.

Institutes affiliated with MIT Biology have additional open positions . Candidates may apply to any or all openings by submitting a separate application for each position. 

Pay range for a 9-month academic appointment:

Pre-Tenure Position: $143,200 – $177,000

Tenured Position: $185,000 – $293,000

MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View  MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and  EEOC’s Know Your Rights . Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.

Employer Contact: Samantha Edelen < View email address on nature.com >

MIT Department of Biology

Attn: Biology Search Committee

77 Massachusetts Avenue, 68-132

Cambridge, MA 02139