Job Description
Chair, Department of Genetics
Location: Philadelpia
Open Date: Sep 28, 2026
Deadline:
Advancing Discovery Defining the Future of Genomic Medicine
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Genetics.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The next Chair will lead a highly accomplished, collaborative, and growing department and shape its next phase of scientific distinction, institutional impact, and national prominence. Penn's extraordinary research ecosystem, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Penn Engineering, the Wistar Institute, and numerous interdisciplinary centers and institutes, offers an exceptional platform for advancing genetics and genomic medicine.
DEPARTMENT AND ROLE
Established in 1965, the Department of Genetics has been a leading academic community for discovery and innovation in genetics and genomics. Today the Department includes more than 30 faculty members, working across human genetics and genomics, evolutionary and population genetics, genome engineering, epigenetics, RNA biology, functional genomics, computational and statistical genomics, rare disease genetics, cancer genetics, neurogenetics, and precision medicine.
The Chair will provide strategic, scientific, educational, and administrative leadership and will:
- Articulate and execute a bold vision for the future of genetics and genomic medicine.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop exceptional faculty and sustain a rigorous scientific community.
- Advance research excellence from fundamental discovery through translational and precision medicine.
- Strengthen education and training across graduate, medical, postdoctoral, and undergraduate programs.
- Build interdisciplinary partnerships across Penn, CHOP, the Wistar Institute, and affiliated institutions.
- Steward departmental resources and core facilities and expand philanthropic engagement and visibility.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent terminal degree and be eligible for appointment to the Standing Faculty at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. The successful candidate will have an internationally respected record of scholarship, sustained scientific productivity, substantial academic leadership experience, demonstrated excellence in mentorship and faculty development, and strong operational and financial acumen. A collaborative leadership style, the ability to lead change and deliver measurable results, and experience with or aptitude for development and donor relations are essential.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants should submit an an online application with curriculum vitae, letter of interest, and research statement, to the attention of Nancy A. Speck, PhD, Chair of the Search Committee. First consideration will be given to applications received by November 10, 2026.
Qualifications
Application Instructions
To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/194473
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Application Details (to apply use the Apply Now button below.)
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Jobs at the University of Pennsylvania. When inquiring or applying for positions within the University of Pennsylvania, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com
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A Great Place to Work
Penn's innovative schools, centers, and divisions offer a vast array of positions in a broad range of fields. Penn is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. Here you can find new opportunities as your career develops—from your first job out of school to your first leadership role, and all points in between. You can discover new work settings as your goals evolve, and even change professions.
We’re famous for research and education, but did you know Penn also offers positions in areas such as financial management, hospitality, transportation, real estate development, investments, public safety, fundraising, marketing, communications, and information technology (IT)?
Penn is a leading employer in key fields. We are regularly ranked as one of the best places to work in IT, and our Office of Development and Alumni Relations is one of the premier organizations in the industry.
If you have a passion for excellence in education, research, or service to the community, Penn is the right choice for any point in your professional journey.
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
When inquiring or applying for positions within the University of Pennsylvania, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at the University of Pennsylvania are posted, job seekers can sign up at new job openings at the University of Pennsylvania.
