Assistant Professor in Cellular, Molecular, and Development Biology, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor. We seek candidates pursuing innovative research in cellular, molecular, or developmental biology, with applications in areas such as, but not limited to, neurobiology, immunology, cancer, metabolism, aging, or physiology. The successful candidate is expected to establish a productive, externally funded research program, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and teach at both levels. We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about engaging students in the classroom and laboratory, collaborating across disciplinary boundaries, and fostering a supportive and respectful environment in research, teaching, and mentoring. The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability offers a highly collaborative environment with strong ties to the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the School of Medicine, and university-wide core facilities. Anticipated start date is Fall 2026. The position is a nine-month, tenure-eligible appointment with a competitive start-up package, modern laboratory space, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities to support the development of a successful research program.

Position Requirements:

• Establishing a productive, externally funded research program
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in a research setting
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise
• Contributing to curriculum and program development in biomedical sciences
• Providing service at the departmental and university level

Candidates should submit the following materials to VCUjobs.com:

• Cover letter detailing qualifications, research experience, and interests
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research Statement (2 pages)
• Teaching Statement (2 pages)
• Contact information, including mailing address, telephone number, and email address,
  for at least three professional references

Review of applications will begin in mid-December and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please apply by December 15, 2025. Questions should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Santiago Lima, at slima@vcu.edu.

VCU is a premier, R1 public research institution located in Richmond, Virginia. Ranked among the top 100 U.S. universities and the top 50 public universities in federal research expenditures, VCU receives more than $500 million annually in sponsored research funding. Its vibrant research ecosystem spans the biomedical, life, physical, and social sciences, fostering collaboration across disciplines to tackle complex challenges in human health and disease. The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, established in 2025, serves as a dynamic hub for integrative research, education, and training across molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. Our faculty lead programs in areas such as developmental biology, cancer biology, neurobiology, metabolism, environmental health, and systems biology. The School of Life Sciences and Sustainability offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees and serves more than 2,400 undergraduates and over 100 graduate students. With dedicated research facilities and a culture of collaboration, SLSS is committed to advancing human and environmental health through innovative, interdisciplinary science. Located in Virginia’s capital city, VCU provides an affordable, high-quality urban environment with easy access to Washington, D.C., and a vibrant network of clinical, governmental, and industry collaborators.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant science discipline
• Postdoctoral training and research experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Unit: College of Humanit and Sciences MBU

Department: School of Life Sci & Sustainability

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure: Tenure Track

Months: 9 months

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Santiago Lima
Contact Email: slima@vcu.edu