The Department of Biology at Duke University in Durham, NC, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Cellular and Molecular Systems. The initial appointment begins July 1, 2027, and ends June 30, 2031, and is renewable upon successful review in the third year. We seek scholars who investigate the principles governing living systems, including minimal rules underlying synthetic systems, the rules of interactions among molecules, cells, and organisms across environmental conditions, and rules of emergence and complexity in biological networks and circuits. The candidates will combine molecular, biochemical, cellular, biochemical and/or genetic approaches with quantitative and/or computational tools in the study of these systems. Successful candidates will establish an independent, nationally recognized, externally funded research program and contribute to a vibrant and collaborative scientific community at Duke University. The candidates will also integrate research, teaching, mentoring, and service into a unified academic program, engaging students and researchers at all levels in the process of scientific discovery and drawing on their perspectives and creativity to enrich their research.
Duke Biology is the intellectual home for more than 45 faculty members whose research programs span the discipline of Biology (including developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, organismal biology, and genomics). Many of our biologists take advantage of our department’s Research Greenhouses and Phytotron, Duke University core facilities (e.g., microscopy, genomics, proteomics), or conduct research within the 7000-acre Duke Forest Teaching and Research Laboratory or the Duke Marine Lab. More than 100 PhD students work with Biology faculty through the Biology PhD program and multiple interdisciplinary training programs. Our undergraduate major graduates ~175 students annually, with more than half of our majors conducting independent research. Learn more about Duke Biology at our website https://biology.duke.edu/.
How to Apply: Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in biology or one of its subfields. Interested candidates should submit the following required documents:
- a cover letter (with contact information);
- curriculum vitae
- A research statement that includes a description of research accomplishments and plans for future research (3 pages maximum)
- Teaching and mentoring statement that includes a description of teaching and mentoring philosophy, previous experiences, and future plans (1-2 pages)
- Service and outreach statement that includes a description of approaches, training, and experiences in leading and participating in recruitment programs, research groups, classrooms, mentoring, and service interactions (1 page).
- Three letters of recommendation
Applications must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online: Application review will begin on November 02, 2026, but we will continue to accept applications through November 30, 2026.
For additional questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Paul Magwene, Search Committee Chair, biochairs@duke.edu
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke University aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Please note that Duke University specifically seeks information about past misconduct or policy violations (in the past ten (10) years) and/or relevant pending investigations as part of the application process. Disclosures will not be an automatic bar to hiring but, instead, will initiate further dialogue regarding past actions and steps taken to address them. Disclosures will not be shared with search committees during the application review process.
