The Whitehead Institute, together with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Massachusetts), invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level, beginning July 1, 2027, or later, by mutual agreement.
We are interested in candidates with an M.D. or Ph.D. degree in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or related fields (required by the start of employment) who are pursuing innovative approaches to fundamental problems in molecular, cellular, or organismal biology. We seek colleagues who are poised to ask big, unanswered questions with bold ideas and technologies in our collaborative environment, where we strive for mechanistic insights into complex processes and believe in innovation- and curiosity-driven science.
Duties will include developing and leading an independent, vibrant research program in the life sciences, and developing and teaching undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in biology and related areas. We recruit colleagues who share our commitment to supervising graduate and undergraduate research and mentoring talented trainees from a broad range of backgrounds.
The successful candidate will receive lab and office space at the Whitehead Institute, a generous start-up package, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities. The candidate will be affiliated with an academic department at MIT that best aligns with their areas of scholarship and teaching. MIT offers supportive mentorship for junior faculty, an exceptional environment for scientific inquiry, and a strong commitment to an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative culture. We seek candidates who will contribute to this culture.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, summary of current and proposed research statement (< 5 pgs) and statement on teaching and mentoring (~2 pgs). Letters of recommendation should be sent separately from at least three individuals able to evaluate the candidate’s accomplishments and future potential. Application materials should be submitted to https://facultysearch.wi.mit.edu.
Application deadline is October 2nd, 2026.
MIT’s School of Science, School of Engineering, and the College of Computing have additional open positions. Candidates may apply to any or all openings but must submit a separate application for each position.
Pay range for a 9-month academic appointment in a pre-tenure Assistant Professor position: $143,200 – $154,000.
MIT provides pay ranges that represent its good-faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.
MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.
Employer Contact:
Lisa Bolduc Cruz, Email: facultysearch@wi.mit.edu
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Attn: Director’s Office
455 Main Street, Suite 361
Cambridge, MA 02142-1025
