Wistar Institute Jobs & Careers

🎓 Overview of Wistar Institute

The Wistar Institute, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stands as a beacon in biomedical research. Established in 1892, it is the nation's first independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and defeating cancer and other diseases. Unlike traditional universities, Wistar focuses exclusively on cutting-edge research in immunology, infectious diseases, and cancer biology. Its proximity to the University of Pennsylvania fosters collaborations that amplify its impact. Jobs at Wistar Institute attract scientists passionate about translational research, where discoveries rapidly move from lab to clinic. The institute employs over 400 staff, with roles spanning from principal investigators to lab technicians, making it a hub for research jobs in higher education.

Wistar's mission emphasizes basic and translational research, pioneering technologies like immunotherapy and vaccine development. For instance, Wistar scientists developed the HPV vaccine, preventing cervical cancer worldwide. This legacy draws top talent seeking meaningful careers in science.

History of Wistar Institute

Founded by local physician Joseph Leidy, Wistar began as a biological research center. By the early 20th century, it shifted to biomedical focus under leaders like Anna M. Dolfinger. Key milestones include the 1960s discovery of tumor immunology by Luigi Proietti and the 2006 HPV vaccine by Ian Fraser. Today, under CEO Dario Altieri, Wistar integrates AI and genomics. Its evolution from anatomy studies to global cancer leader underscores why jobs here offer historical prestige and modern innovation.

Research Programs and Expertise at Wistar Institute

Wistar's research clusters around three pillars: Cancer Biology, Immunology, and Gene Expression & Regulation. The Vaccine Center develops mRNA vaccines, while the Center for Systems & Computational Biology uses AI for drug discovery. Expertise needed includes CRISPR editing, single-cell sequencing, and mouse models. Jobs often require knowledge of tumor microenvironments or T-cell therapies, aligning with postdoctoral success in dynamic labs.

• Cancer Immunotherapy: Pioneering CAR-T cells and checkpoint inhibitors.
• Infectious Diseases: COVID-19 vaccine platforms and HIV research.
• Genomics: Single-cell RNA-seq for personalized medicine.

Job Types at Wistar Institute

Careers range from faculty to support roles. Principal Investigators lead labs, postdocs conduct experiments, research associates manage projects, and technicians handle daily operations. For a full list of university job types, see our guide. Recent openings include Postdoctoral Fellow in Tumor Immunology and Staff Scientist in Vaccine Development.

Definitions

Postdoctoral Fellow: A temporary research position for recent PhD graduates (1-5 years post-PhD) to gain advanced training, publish, and prepare for independent careers. At Wistar, it involves hands-on lab work and grant writing.
Translational Research: Bridge between basic science (lab discoveries) and clinical applications (patient treatments), Wistar's core strength.
Immunotherapy: Treatments harnessing the immune system against cancer, like Wistar's checkpoint inhibitors.
CRISPR: Gene-editing tool (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) used in Wistar's gene therapy research.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Research roles typically require a PhD in immunology, molecular biology, or oncology. Postdocs need 0-3 years experience; faculty positions demand 5+ years with independent funding.

• Research Focus: Cancer vaccines, T-cell engineering, or bioinformatics.
• Preferred Experience: 3+ first-author publications in high-impact journals (Nature, Cell), NIH grant history.
• Skills: Flow cytometry, qPCR, animal handling (IACUC certified), Python/R for data analysis.
• Competencies: Teamwork, scientific writing, problem-solving in fast-paced labs.

Application Process and Tips

Apply via Wistar's careers page (wistar.org/careers). Submit CV, cover letter, 3 references. Interviews involve seminars and lab tours.

• Tailor cover letter to specific lab (e.g., mention Roush Group's immunotherapy).
• Highlight quantifiable achievements (e.g., "Led project resulting in 2 publications").
• Network at conferences like AACR; follow up post-application.
• Prepare for technical interviews on methods like Western blot.
• Use academic CV tips for formatting.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Wistar commits to equity via the Wistar Institute Diversity Committee, offering mentorship for underrepresented groups. The Postdoctoral Training Program prioritizes women and minorities in STEM. Partnerships with HBCUs and events like Women in Science Day foster inclusion. 40% of staff are from diverse backgrounds, exceeding national averages.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

In Philadelphia's University City, Wistar offers flexible schedules (core 10am-4pm), remote options for computational roles, gym, shuttle to UPenn. Benefits include 4 weeks PTO, parental leave, EAP. Campus life includes seminars, happy hours, and proximity to Rittenhouse Square. Philly's vibrant scene (museums, dining) enhances life outside work.

Summary

Jobs at Wistar Institute offer unparalleled opportunities in biomedical research. Explore higher-ed jobs, higher-ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. With its legacy and innovation, Wistar is ideal for advancing your career in science.