President and Chief Executive Officer

Employer: The Wistar Institute

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Salary: Competitive

Closing date: Jun 5, 2026

Discipline: Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: President/CEO/Director/VP

Organization Type: Biotech

At an exciting time for biomedical science and discovery, the Board of Trustees of The Wistar Institute (The Institute, Wistar), the nation’s oldest, independent biomedical research institute, seeks a distinguished scientist and accomplished leader to serve as President and CEO. The Wistar Institute is frequently cited among the most innovative research organizations in the world and is a global leader in research across cancer, immunology, and infectious disease. It is dedicated to the mission of advancing high-impact scientific discovery and has made fundamental contributions to discoveries and IP that have led to commercially successful therapies and vaccines. Today, The Wistar Institute continues to pursue novel and courageous research paths and strives to shorten the path from bench to bedside. The next President and CEO will build upon the legacy of outstanding discoveries, lead a talented faculty focused on collaborative and cross-disciplinary research, and expand its already significant impact.

The Wistar Institute has had remarkable success over the past decade. The annual budget now surpasses $100 million, and the endowment has risen to roughly $300 million. New research centers have been launched, and the number of independent labs has grown from 30 to 41. The Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center, the first NCI-designated cancer center for basic science, has maintained uninterrupted funding since 1972 and was renewed again in 2025 with its third consecutive exceptional rating. The Institute is also near the conclusion of its largest facility expansion in its more than 130-year history, adding new research space and undergoing significant renovations of the existing footprint.

The Institute has had remarkable success in garnering philanthropic support, including the single largest charitable commitment ($30 million in 2024) and the most successful fundraising campaign in the Institute’s history ($67 million for the Bold Science/Global Impact Campaign). In 2025, Wistar received $42 million in NIH awards and over $60 million in total extramural funding. The Institute also serves as a key institution and partner in the Philadelphia region to grow the biotechnology sector, including a robust Biomedical Technician Training program and registered apprenticeship programs to advance workforce development.

The next CEO will have a distinguished scientific record in cancer research, immunology, infectious disease, or a closely related biomedical field and demonstrated leadership experience in directing major research labs or programs, academic departments, or cancer centers. The CEO will have a strong track record of financial stewardship, organizational growth, and experience managing federally funded programs. The CEO will serve as the Institute’s primary ambassador to government, community, academic, and philanthropic partners. The CEO is responsible for strategic direction, scientific excellence, operational leadership, financial stewardship, philanthropy, and external engagement.

The Wistar Institute has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website:

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/wistar-institute/president-and-chief-executive-officer

John Muckle, Partner
Nick Strand, Managing Associate
Ethan Thomas, Managing Search Coordinator