The Department of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the development and application of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence (broadly defined) to answer biological questions. The search is open with respect to biological subfield, with areas of interest including: prediction and design of nucleic acid or protein structures and functions; genomics and genotype-to-phenotype mapping; image analysis and 3D reconstructions; systems biology and data integration; biological prediction at any scale. Individuals focusing on solely computational approaches as well as those with combined theoretical and experimental-based inquiry will be considered.

We are a collaborative and interactive community of faculty and students with broad research interests and disciplines spanning molecular and cellular biology, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and mathematical and computational biology (bio.upenn.edu). Our department is housed within the School of Arts & Sciences (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/) (SAS), which is comprised of 28 academic departments, the College of Arts and Sciences (https://www.college.upenn.edu/) , the Graduate Division (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/graduate/) , and the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (https://www.lps.upenn.edu/) . SAS is one of 12 schools on a single interconnected campus, and affiliations with other Department(s) (e.g. Bioengineering or Computer & Information Sciences within the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, or various Departments in the Perelman School of Medicine) are common. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration are supported by the breadth and depth of academic pursuits at Penn (https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/careers-at-penn/penn) as well as the proximity of resources on our contiguous green urban campus (https://facilities.upenn.edu/services/landscape) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We promote and encourage curiosity, intellectual engagement, and discovery among all our students and faculty. University, School, and Departmental resources that support our mission include but are not limited to: the Offices of the Vice Provost for Faculty (https://faculty.upenn.edu/) and Vice Provost for Research (https://research.upenn.edu/) , Wellness at Penn (https://wellness.upenn.edu/) , the Center for Excellence In Teaching and Innovation (https://ctl.upenn.edu/) , the Penn Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (https://curf.upenn.edu/) , and Penn Human Resources (https://www.hr.upenn.edu/) .

Review of applications will begin on October 21, 2024 and continue until the position has been filled. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2025. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is expected at the start of the appointment, as well as direct evidence of self-motivation and a consistent record of strong research using machine learning to study biological systems and questions. The Department also expects candidates to present a strong capacity for teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels; mentoring and support of a diverse student body; and the ability to direct graduate and undergraduate research.

We seek candidates who share our strong commitment to research, teaching and mentoring, and to a scholarly community shaped by values of inclusive excellence. The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating and sustaining a community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff that reflects the diversity of our world. We nurture working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we are committed to thoughtful discussions and dynamic interactions as we strive for an environment where everyone is supported and valued. Please see our School’s Inclusion and Antiracism Initiatives to learn more about our active priorities: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/office-diversity-equity-and-inclusion

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is expected at the start of the appointment.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a research statement (3 pages maximum) including 2-3 representative publications, a teaching statement that highlights your experiences and teaching philosophy (3 pages maximum), and three letters of recommendation to http://apply.interfolio.com/153398. The teaching and research statements should include discussion of contributions to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action (http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/) and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).