The Columbia Institute for Cell Engineering and Therapy (CICET) at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) invites applications for tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor. We seek outstanding scientists pursuing basic and/or translational research that advances cell and gene therapies.

VP&S is part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which comprises 30 basic and clinical departments complemented by over 20 interdisciplinary centers. Clinical investigators work in close partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP), one of the nation’s leading academic health systems.

The faculty member will hold a dual academic appointment in CICET and in a department within VP&S, commensurate with their disciplinary background and expertise.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will establish and lead an independent, externally funded research program aligned with CICET’s mission. This position offers the opportunity to pursue high-impact scholarship in a collaborative academic environment that values scientific excellence, innovation, and translational relevance.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: innovative cell-based therapies, cell and gene delivery platforms, genetic engineering technologies, and translational research across a broad range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, transplantation, neurodegeneration, and monogenic disorders.

Faculty responsibilities include research, teaching, mentorship, and service consistent with the expectations for tenure-track faculty at Columbia University.

The faculty member will be expected to:

• Develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program
• Conduct original, high-impact cell engineering and gene therapy research aligned with CICET’s mission and priorities
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with investigators across Columbia University
• Contribute to the teaching and mentoring of graduate students, medical trainees, and postdoctoral fellows
• Participate in academic service activities that support the mission of CICET and the University

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of research excellence and scholarly productivity
• Clear potential or track record to establish an independent, externally funded research program
• Commitment to teaching, mentorship, and collaborative scholarship
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with professionals in other disciplines and create a thriving, collegial, and productive work environment.

Hiring salary range:

• Assistant Professor: $150,000 - $170,000
• Associate Professor: $200,000 - $230,000     

Review of applications will begin on July 31, 2026, and continue until the position is filled:

1.    Cover letter

2.    Curriculum vitae

3.    Research statement describing past accomplishments and future research directions

• Assistant Professor: 2?3 pages
• Associate Professor: 3?4 pages

4.    Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy

5.    Letters of Reference

• Assistant Professor applicants should submit three letters of reference.
• Associate Professor applicants should provide the names and contact information for three to five references; letters will be requested at a later stage of the search process.

For questions, please contact: eb3712@cumc.columbia.edu

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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