Judy Wilpon Professor of Cancer Biology

Judy Wilpon Endowed Chair in Cancer Biology
Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

The Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University seeks a distinguished scientist to join our faculty as the Judy Wilpon Endowed Chair in Cancer Biology at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. This prestigious appointment will advance our leadership in comparative cancer biology research.

For 75 years, the Baker Institute has defined excellence in animal health research, establishing the scientific foundations that drive breakthrough discoveries in comparative medicine. Our distinguished faculty lead multidisciplinary investigations that have advanced understanding of host biology, pathogen mechanisms, and critical host-pathogen interactions. Grounded in cutting-edge molecular and cellular biosciences, genomics and computational biology, our research programs command significant support from premier federal health and agriculture agencies alongside specialized foundations. Faculty maintain influential collaborative networks spanning The College of Veterinary Medicine and other Ithaca-based units including the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, and the Department of Computational Biology, as well as Weill Cornell Medicine and the Meyer Cancer Center in New York City. Through our One Health approach, Baker researchers generate discoveries that establish new paradigms relevant to both animal and human medicine. This legacy of scientific impact, built through decades of close engagement with veterinarians and clinicians nationwide, positions the Institute to drive transformative advances across the full translational spectrum—from computational innovation to clinical breakthrough.

This position will expand our expertise in cancer biology through research. We welcome candidates with expertise across the full spectrum of fundamental and translational cancer biology subspecialties, including tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis; tumor microenvironment and immuno-oncology; and novel models and technologies for the discovery and development of cancer diagnostics and therapies. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations within the Baker Institute and throughout the College of Veterinary Medicine. Teaching responsibilities and allocation of effort will be determined based on the candidate's interests and qualifications, while academic service will focus on mentorship and supporting service commitments within the Institute and broader College of Veterinary Medicine and University Initiatives.

Cornell University provides an exceptional research environment with outstanding resources that will support cutting-edge cancer biology research, including state-of-the-art facilities for computational biology, genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy and imaging, histology and flow cytometry. The university hosts several campus-wide initiatives directly relevant to cancer research, including the Genomics Innovation Hub (GIH), established by the Provost's Genome Biology Task Force, the Center for Vertebrate Genomics (CVG), the Cancer Metabolism Focus Group (CMFG), and the DNA replication, recombination and repair (R3) group.

Qualifications

DVM/Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or Ph.D. in biomedical sciences

Established, internationally recognized research program in cancer biology with an emphasis on companion animals or potential for significant impact in human and veterinary medicine

Demonstrated ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations

Strong record of scholarly achievement appropriate for tenured Associate or Full Professor rank

Vision for impactful cancer research that attracts extramural grant support

Interested candidates should submit the following materials: (i) Cover letter, (ii) Curriculum Vitae, (iii) Statement of research goals (3 pages maximum), (iv) Statement of teaching experience and philosophy (1 page maximum) and (v) Contact information for three professional references.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed starting on July 22, 2026 and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. For further information about this position, please email the search committee chair, Dr. Robert Weiss at [email protected].

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.