The Barbara B. Knowles Ph.D., Endowed Professorship in Cancer Biology and Immune Therapy Research

The Wistar Institute is seeking an outstanding scientist to fill the newly established Barbara B. Knowles, Ph.D., Endowed Professorship in the Center for Advanced Therapeutics (CAT). The Barbara B. Knowles, Ph.D., Endowed Professorship has been established to recognize and honor Dr. Barbara B. Knowles and her pioneering contributions to stem cell biology and tumor immunology while working at The Wistar Institute. Launched in 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Paul Lieberman, Ph.D., the CAT occupies ~12,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art laboratory space on the main Wistar campus in University City, Philadelphia, embracing the mission of bridging foundational discovery research in immunology, epigenetics, cancer and autoimmunity with the identification and characterization of novel therapeutic targets in cancer and infectious diseases.

We are seeking an outstanding scientist at the Full Professor rank with demonstrated achievements in the field of cancer and immune biology. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. and have an established track record of scholarly contributions with high-impact publications, history of sustained extramural funding and a strong commitment to elucidating novel disease drivers and potential associated vulnerabilities.

The Wistar Institute is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Basic Cancer Center since 1972, recognized by the NCI with the highest rating of Exceptional three times in a row. As the nation’s first independent biomedical research institute, Wistar is hailed worldwide for groundbreaking discoveries in the areas of cancer, immunology and infectious diseases, with a strong commitment to translational research that created life-saving treatments in vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. The Institute offers state-of-the-art research facilities, a uniquely collaborative and collegial scientific environment, and a highly intellectually stimulating location in close proximity to the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Drexel University. Accordingly, Wistar is a very attractive destination for training opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will be accepted until the position is filled. To ensure timely consideration, applications will be reviewed using a rolling format. The application should include: a curriculum vitae, a summary of past and future research interests (no more than 3 pages), and history of accomplishments, talks and research funding support (as applicable). Applications (submitted as a single PDF) should be sent by e-mail to: Maria Colelli, Faculty Search Coordinator, (mcolelli@wistar.org).

It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic or sexual violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or on the basis of genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.