Chair, Department of Genetics

Employer: University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelpia

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Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

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Chair, Department of Genetics

Location:
Philadelpia
Open Date:
Sep 28, 2026
Description:
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.

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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