Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in RNA Biology and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Posted on October 29th, 2025

Req Id:  39338
Job Title:  Professor Assistant
City:  West Lafayette

Job Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at the interface of RNA biology and host–pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on translational relevance. Areas of particular interest include RNA-based therapeutics, host-pathogen RNA interactions (including pathogen RNA sensing in host cells), synthetic biology, cancer biology, biomanufacturing, integration with functional tissue models (e.g., organoids) to explore disease mechanisms, and advanced human-relevant disease modeling. Applicants addressing global health challenges through interconnected studies of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, integrating with the Purdue One Health framework, are also encouraged to apply.

This position aligns with existing Purdue strengths and will enhance cross-disciplinary research collaborations, supporting Purdue’s strategic priorities in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, One Health, cancer biology, and translational health sciences.

Purdue Biological Sciences is one of seven departments in the College of Science. It encompasses a broad array of innovative research areas, ranging from subcellular to ecosystem scales, along with comprehensive educational programs. Interdisciplinary, collaborative research is supported and encouraged both within the department and the university. Many departmental faculty members are involved in university-wide multidisciplinary research and play leading roles in Discovery Park , the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease. Moreover, departmental faculty participate in translational and industrial partnerships, including patent development and the One Health initiative.  

Purdue’s main campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, a rapidly growing, welcoming community with a wide variety of cultural activities, events, and industries. With the new Purdue Indy campus (https://www.purdue.edu/campuses/indianapolis/), there are also enhanced opportunities for collaboration in Indianapolis. Purdue also offers a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance and relocation services

Qualifications 
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in a related field by the employment start date and demonstrate potential to build an independent research program, as well as the potential to educate and mentor students. A successful candidate will conduct externally funded original research, advise
graduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses, and offer service at the Department, College, and University levels.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted to insert link-once position is in SF and should include (1) a complete curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of research (maximum of 3 pages) and a statement of teaching, (maximum 1 page), and (3) names and contact information for at least three references. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their Google Scholar profile is up to date, though this is not required.

The search committee will begin with review of applications submitted by November 30, 2025 and will continue review until the position is filled. Selected candidates will first be invited to a video interview and will receive instructions on how to also submit reference letters. Those advancing to the next stage will be invited for an on-site interview. 

A background check will be required for employment in this position. 

For any questions related to this search please email [email protected].

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.