Chair, Department of Genetics

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