The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology have made a strategic decision to expand basic sciences cancer research. We invite applications from qualified investigators at the Associate or Full Professor level for a leadership position as Cancer Biology Research Program Co-Leader. The Co-leader will provide scientific leadership for the program including strategic planning, oversight, mentoring faculty, shaping recruitment and collaboration priorities, and advancing interdisciplinary research.
The Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology is a leader in pharmacology research and education. This Department is undergoing a strategic expansion with a focus that includes cancer cell signaling, pharmacology, structural biology, and therapeutics, highlighted by seven recruitments in the last five years. The Department is defined by a highly collaborative and supportive culture and is a destination for outstanding graduate student and postdoctoral trainees. With renewed institutional investment, the department seeks to continue its strategic growth in partnership with the MCW Cancer Center.
The MCW Cancer Center is an integrated partnership of >250 cancer scientists and physicians within three research programs focused on 1) discovering basic biological processes that promote cancer risk, development, and progression (Cancer Biology Research Program), 2) translating promising scientific discoveries into clinical practice (Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program), and 3) facilitating research endeavors that reduce cancer risk, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life across the cancer care continuum (Cancer Control Research Program).
The Cancer Center serves a Catchment Area that includes the eastern-most 29 Wisconsin counties from the northern to southern state borders with 3.36M residents, encompassing 58% of the state’s population. The Cancer Center has an ambitious plan for growth including achievement of NCI designation. As one of the largest U.S. metro areas without an NCI-designated cancer center, this achievement will have a significant impact on the health and quality of life of the people of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. The Cancer Biology Research Program plays a central role in this effort, accelerating discovery in cancer signaling, metabolism, genetics and genomics, precision oncology, cancer immunology, tumor microenvironment, and structural biology.
Senior leadership role as Co‑Leader of the Cancer Biology Research Program, providing strategic vision and scientific direction for basic cancer research.
Influence program growth and NCI designation efforts, shaping priorities that accelerate discovery in cancer signaling, metabolism, genomics, immunology, tumor microenvironment, and structural biology.
Guide and mentor faculty, fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture across the MCW Cancer Center and the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology.
Drive strategic recruitment and partnerships to expand basic science cancer research and strengthen translational impact.
Lead within a rapidly expanding department, supported by significant institutional investment and seven recent faculty recruitments.
Collaborate with a robust cancer research ecosystem, comprising over 250 scientists and clinicians across three integrated research programs.
Make a meaningful population health impact, serving a 29‑county catchment area of 3.36M residents and advancing cancer outcomes across southeastern Wisconsin.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualified applicants must hold a PhD, MD/PhD or MD degree and have a record of making important research contributions and securing extramural funding. An ideal candidate will have a strong research program in cancer-relevant signaling mechanisms. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, a generous research startup and program development package, and an endowed chair commensurate with the candidate’s vision and accomplishments. The institution is committed to fostering a merit-based inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Interested applicants can apply by uploading their curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing their qualifications. Review of applications will begin May 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. #LI-NK1
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is the state’s only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. MCW consists of a School of Medicine with campuses in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Central Wisconsin, a School of Graduate Studies, and a School of Pharmacy. MCW is a major national research center ranking in the top third of U.S. medical schools in NIH funding and is the second largest research institution in Wisconsin. Academic medicine is at the core of everything we do at MCW, bringing together scientists, clinicians, students and community members to solve the most complex challenges in health and society. MCW is a diverse group of thought leaders collaborating to pioneer pathways to a healthier world. Every study we conduct and every patient we see leads to new learning and a continuous cycle of life-changing knowledge and innovation.
Approximately 1,780 MCW physicians and approximately 905 advanced practice providers care for more than 484,000 patients of all ages annually at Froedtert Hospital, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Children’s Wisconsin, and many other hospitals and clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin, representing more than 5.1 million patient visits annually.
The beautiful, safe and modern campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC) houses Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, Curative Care Network, Versiti Blood Research Institute and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division. These member entities share a common mission of excellence in patient care, medical education, biomedical research and community service.
Commitment to MCW Values
All of our endeavors at MCW, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: acting in Caring ways – engaging in Collaborative efforts – approaching our world with Curiosity – advancing Inclusive practices – demonstrating Integrity in all we do – treating everyone with Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through merit-based processes, and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you.
Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, is located on Lake Michigan’s western shore. A metropolitan area with more than 1.6 million people, Milwaukee is an affordable, comfortable place to live, work, and play, big enough to be exciting and uncongested enough to get around easily. Milwaukee’s many neighborhoods have incredible charm, accommodating a variety of lifestyles, from high-rise apartments to small farms. Nestled along a magnificent bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Milwaukee’s downtown is home to botanical gardens, lakefront museums, a theater district, the world champion Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers, bustling nightlife, and award-winning restaurants. The lake and its harbors are skirted by scenic parklands and provide first-class opportunities for recreation, including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. A recent study ranked Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable of the 50 largest US cities. Milwaukee has all the advantages of a large, vibrant city but without the stress or cost.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
