Job Description

Full Time

The Department of Biology at the University of Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in genetics, beginning in the academic year 2026. We invite applications from candidates addressing fundamental and open questions in genetics, including (but not limited to) DNA damage, genome stability, DNA replication, genome organization, and transcriptional regulation, that can be related to cancer biology. We seek applications from candidates who use an organismal model system(s) and deploy a variety of approaches and techniques. Candidates whose research solely uses in vitro systems or pre-clinical models of cancer will not be considered. Candidates must hold a PhD and have postdoctoral training. Successful candidates will have an established record of high-quality research and show strong promise of an externally funded program of research. The faculty member holding this position will be expected to contribute to the instructional mission of the Department of Biology by teaching courses in areas connected to genetics, mentoring students, as well as by fostering a welcoming and respectful academic and work environment.

The Department of Biology is housed in two connected buildings, located in the heart of Iowa City. The department is home to the Carver Center for Genomics, offering in-house DNA sequencing, genomics, transcriptomics, and other services, the Carver Center for Imaging, which houses spinning disc, scanning and multiphoton confocal microscopes, and the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB), an internationally renowned repository for monoclonal antibodies. Faculty in the Department of Biology work on a wide range of cell systems and model organisms, including C. elegans, Drosophila, Tribolium, Xenopus, zebrafish, mice, yeast, maize, Ceratopteris, and others. The Department of Biology has both PhD and MS programs, and also recruits PhD students from the NIH T32 Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics as well as other interdisciplinary graduate programs. There are extensive opportunities for collaboration with researchers across many other departments on campus, including in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (e.g., Psychological and Brain Sciences, Mathematics, Health and Human Physiology), in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in the Carver College of Medicine (e.g., Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Neuroscience and Pharmacology).

How to Apply:

To apply, please visit the submission website at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/content/faculty/ and refer to requisition #75790.  Materials should be submitted electronically, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, copies of selected scholarly papers, and a teaching statement that addresses the applicant’s interests, experiences, and aspirations in science education, curriculum development, and mentorship, as well as email contact information for three letters of recommendation. Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to tina-tootle@uiowa.edu (Chair of Biology). The review of applicants will begin on January 5, 2026and will continue until the position is filled.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

• Candidates must hold a PhD in Biology or closely related field at the time of appointment.

• Postdoctoral training or equivalent training.



• Research specialization in genetics using established and/or emergent comparative model organisms.



• High-quality publications in genetics from postdoctoral training or equivalent training.



• Research specialization in fundamental genetic mechanisms that can be related to cancer biology.

• Promise of an independent, externally-funded, and cutting-edge research program.



• Proposed research program synergizes or complements departmental research strengths.



• Independent teaching and mentoring experience in biology.



• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Interest
Research Statement (3 Pages)
Teaching Statement (2-3 Pages)

Number of References:3

Letters of Recommendation are required as part of the application process. Upon submission, references selected will be notified by e-mail with directions on how to electronically submit letters to the University of Iowa.

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs